EVERYBODY'S FRIEND 



RHYMES AND NOT RHYMES. 



B. JUNIOR. <^^^?/2^^/ . 

SAINT LOUIS: j ' '— 

ST. LOUIS BOOK AND NEWS COMPANY. 
1878. 



:-/S?)^- 






^^ns. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876, by 

B. JUNIOR, 

In the Oflice of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



CONTENTS. 



A Day's Observation, . 

A Wedding Song, 

A Maid's Invitation, 

A Page of Many Descriptions, 

An Enigma, 

A Soldier's Epitaph, 

A Song, .... 

A Song, .... 

A Love Letter, 

A Leaf of Leisure Moments, 

An Epitaph on a Wife, 

Checkmating, 

Discrimination, 

Decision, .... 

Departure, .... 

Emotion, .... 

Freedom, .... 

Hiram Sam, 

Had it Not, 

Ike Van Der Housen, 

It Must, I Relinquish, Excel, 

Love's Confession, 

Love as it ii^, ... 



i 
134 
139 
157 
193 
ISP. 
195 
196 
185 
192 
188 
123 

71 
155 
189 
196 
182 
107 
157 

95 
173 
150 
190 



Contents. 



PAGE 



Mary's Canary, . . 162 

Nature's Wealth, 152 

Onward, 148 

Over-Confidence, 184 

Ketribution, 128 

She is to be Won, .142 

Stanzas, 169 

Success, 177 

The Lost Child 113 

The Drunkard's Lament, 118 

The Man and the Little Oirl, .... 131 

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothin<^ 144 

The Soul, 146 

The Student, 164 

The Soldier's Return, 166 

The Fearful Form, 171 

The Girl I Never Can Forget, .... I 75 

The Mad Dog, 187 

The Fate of a Coquette, 191 

To 179 

The Days of Long Ago 181 

To a Mother, 183 

To a Mother, 194 

Willie and his Dead Mother, 136 



A 



DAY'S OBSERVATION 



A DAY'S OBSERVATION. 



Beside yon brook, a stump the earth, stool-like 
In every way, four legs and top to match, 
With careful study cut, if nature so, 
Or mortal hand, unknown, who sought or chanced 
The way his weary limbs repose. The brook 
Did much the scene improve. Her purity 
And even flow sent bosom past control ; 
Within her magic wandered. Beauty is 
Where flowers are ; and many the sort that gave 
Its pleasant odor heaven bound. The kinds 
Were nameless : here, one planted by a mind 
Depressed; another there, by love's request ; 
Again another, owes its life, perhaps. 
To one departed. Thus it came that man's 
Expectant bride yonder throughout exhales 
Where life is everlasting, did receive 
What only furrowed ground and scantily. 

As sun his earnest rays at noontime told, 
To play had changed, sat, his head inclined 
The earth, upheld by hands experienced told, 
Had heat and cold of either, much endured. 
His face the. tinge of time had lightly touched ; 
Some wrinkles showed, but not his years to blush ; 
I 



8 A Days Observation. 

A man he was we love to contemplate : 
Strong, if his arms him not belied ; and they 
Not him when mental labor foiled ; but a strength 
He owned envied more than by minds indulged. 
His guide his memory, a thing believed ; 
By trials proved, and sense applied, found good ; 
Debated not with every wind ; not to 
Persuasion doffed the man, denying bold ; 
Who would perform a gracious act ; his mind 
Foreboding ill not in conjunction with. 
Himself pertaining was no little wise, 
Compelling the would-be taker to abstain, 
Or patient wait the last bereft of fire. 
Moderate in, he taught his greediness 
From very boyhood up ; and pride, not his 
Acquirement, would, when importuned l)y friends, 
His knowledge central make (for storaged much 
Had he), provoke the sluggish strangely wise. 
And oft, when thronged and held upon by young, 
Some story bold relate ; had special part. 
With utmost care, instruction wove, at once 
Two birds one stone had killed ; and often chose 
His subject fitting, the self-governing 
Principle, how 'bout it go, and when tliat him 
Made all ])ron ounce. 

He sat, we said, but now 
We can more full him view. Not tall he stands, 
Nor purposed to appear, nor beauty his. 
Nor nature's gift conceals; a plain, though not 
A habit loose, unfilled, is visible 
His exterior; each in its })]ace is found. 



A Day s Observation. 

Nor bungled by impatient hands, nor soiled, 
A thread-bare garment ! many not he had, 
But, when his income proved averse, for debt 
He liked not ; one of thousand ; rather, used 
He say, little than much, when not your own ; 
For, like an oath 'tis binding, when we can 
Improve our situation, and incites 
To purchase what the debtless would not buy ; 
Thus leaving us to settle old by new. 
Increased, forever striving to be free. 
But had he honest labor earned, the best 
Was cheapest to his eye, as present dress 
Him showing, nothing their superfluous, nor 
Wanting, that rich avoid nor poor a cause 
To use their frequent word, extravagant ; 
Obnoxious though not always lesson void. 
His face not wrinkless, though above his years ; 
Not him appearing, study, but not deep 
Preserved. Perhaps, 'tis owing to abstain 
Till nature plant despite her furrows, what 
Many younger of a hot, intemperate mind, 
Solemn and sour of aspect, actual years 
The background and instead fictitious ones 
To surface brings, stamps unerasible ; 
For that it does where fault descrying is 
The creature's habit, can but plain appear ; 
'Tis obvious him habituating, he sees 
As others, looking-glass is therefore made. 
Should friends resist temptation to remind. 

Jocund distresses not, nor is't opposed 
To any faculty, whichever way 



lo A Daf'^, Observatiofi. 

Exerted, its physic celebrated is ; 

Commanding globe's entire surface, where breaths 

Immortal breathe at premium buys the market. 

To fashion people love incline, and he, 
Where comfort is not made to suffer, or 
Attempted nature builds to regulate. 
Not part could he his beard withal, and had 
A retinue Dame Fashion numberless. 
Not part could he received his fond caress ; 
His applications culture tended ; now 
Smooth-pressed ; then bristling as the porcupine. 
Of growth continual is the human hair. 
It's inexhaustible when human aid 
Not tampers with cosmetics, or excess. 
What yields us pleasure, sensual appetite ; 
Which can but furnish age where youth should shine^ 
And growth deny to beautify, who lacks 
Without. His crop, indeed abundant proved; 
What fashion, and the razor-plyers greet 
With scrutiny that borders on discussion. 

His eyes now seek where search is fruitless, him, 
Who nothing seeks, the ground presents not things 
Instructive, as the air inhabit, men, 
And houses, sky. What knowledge there revealed ! 
Costless, by only yielding eye that can 
No sameness ground ward cast. Thus he seeks but finds 
More wounds to those already bleeding ; his 
Is not a profit, as too often is 
When trouble has the mind ; but now, to us, 
Ward looks with pleading eyes, that yearn, what we 
Nor time restores, as gentle as the lambs. 



A Day's Observation. ii 

And melts our sternness as we exercise 
That which denounces or pronounces good, 
The brain connected, tender feeling heart. 

Now looks he sorrow-cast, where yonder curve 
Him pleasure dreams instilled, where cottage small. 
But neat within, arranged by hands that once, 
As magic thrilled his bosom through. The scene 
Is changed. Gone, gone, they told him, had his love. 
Whereon he built and toiled for years. 'Twas hard, 
Indeed it was, with hopes from foreign shore, 
To visit promise filling, and to see 
The cottage standing life bereft. O, life ! 
What changes art thou subject ; bright to-day ; 
To-morrow's sun already shines without. 

Yet looks he, time-dividing, now absorbed 
The cottage ; then, the seat implores, where linger. 
Fresh plucked from memory, many happy hours. 
Ah ! years to him, as none his sense appears. 
He dreams her near, and thinks him young as when 
Together sat and schemed, he cutting out 
The while the lasting stool with memory ; 
Many moments stolen, many tasks cut short, 
To breathe each other's breath ; how natural all ! 
A trinket here, another there, he bought 
Expressly, shines him plain, as when her hands 
It glided from, the pretty hands that stroked [ness. 
And smoothed and ministered angel-like, through sick- 
Health again. Oh, exchange ! for wide exchange ! 
Your life's not worth a pin, a voice assures 
And reassures again, but strangely mad 
Or purposely denying, plunges yet deeper 



12 A Day's Observation. 

Till, long his search upon accompanied 

And ever fresh, when thoughts beguiled and hopes 

That sank revived, embodies forth as that 

Mysterious plant of magic growth, yet plain. 

He sees her, as before departure, glad. 

Yet sorrowful, impatient, yet waiting ; hears, 

He thinks, her voice him care enjoined — the voice 

That knew not practiced art, but, as it flows, 

A natural stream, by neither poverty 

Nor wealth made turn its course along. O life 1 

He sobs, and sinks the earth, as if him hung 

A blessing ! O life 1 thou messenger of news 

Manifold, to the worst not disinclined ; 

Deceiving art. O death ! thou far from joy 

Inspirer ; yet could I thee embrace, and glad, 

Wer't something bargained as to cost, and need 

Not suffer stings its payment after. And as 

The stalk, with clusters many in its flesh 

Is cut, and bends its plumage down the weight 

It cannot bear, sinks he by grief o'ercome, 

A load that bears the strongest down. 

Advice 
Him gave, has lingered near, from behavior strange 
Appeared and novel, kind admonisher ! 
And now renews, his art to test, the well 
Of pure and sweet discourse. Be not resolved, 
'Tis idle work, and yet its consequences. 
Look forward with a trusting eye. Where's hope 
There's help at hand. Arise ! base earth respect 
Has none. Place but that trust in Him, you would 
Your friend undou])ted give, and way from out 



A Day s Observation. 1-5 

To extricate, be what the aihiient may. 
Unaltered still ! the words had no effect ; 
A lifeless form could not more steady gaze ; 
He thought, and knew not what. Alarmed at sight, 
The stranger went, with hurried steps, to fill 
The cup, that always lay as safeguard round, 
With brook's clear-flowing, life-inspiring drink. 
A swallow, worked the wonder oft revealed ; 
It quickened, and with speed. And looking up. 
As some faint heart anew inspired, from thoughts, 
It nourished long ; where dark l)efore, now bright 
Almost as when him nothing troubled. He could 
Foresee, he thought, as much ! the mode of life 
One wills is unrestrained. Such thoughts flew cross 
His brain and lodged a spark to spread as rose 
Unblown, by laws conviction only guided. 

P>om thoughts to words a usual step ; from words 
To quicker motion is regret ; but links, 
The chain in order; not the latter his 
Design, nor apt to glide that way ; 'tis but 
To word it, speech his instrument of sway. 
To conquer or be conquered. 'Tis law to him. 

O sir, the drink my memory freshed ; my limbs, 
Unburdened, heavily bore ; methinks, a charm 
Contains as when I dipped me daily out. 
Refreshing and as sweet. Oh ! that we must : 
Wliat must we not, the stranger interrupted. 
We must, I own, much to it give, but all ! 
As far from it as south the north addicted. 
To Nature's laws we subject are, and must 
Comply her wish, but mortal, we, O sir, 



14 A Day's Observation. 

You do not mean you said ; 'twere bitter else 

Tlie book advancement teaches ; the book of books, 

Impressive for divine. At this, where first 

The stranger smiled, now clouded, and the ground 

Directed, as, when youth is much disturbed 

By critic's censure, just, but kind about ; 

To prove, that hastiness is always troubled 

As persons in decease. Thus, gazed he long, 

In search what neither thoughts nor ground revealed. 

At length, by patience overcome, he took 

The word in soft persuasive tone. I've heard 

It told, not once, repeatedly, where gather 

Contracted through the day, dispel, the room 

Of contemplation free all joyance is. 

And mirth, equality. Conversers first 

The daily news relate, then wander off. 

Himself was witness too, such tale does bear 

Resemblance, your actions me recalled. The age 

As was expressed, and size agreeing with. 

If likeness not deceive. And since you are, 

Your silence that betraying, tell me more. 

Already know the rustics round, what made 

And could impress these parts especially 

To seek ; when years had intervened. But hark ! 

What sound is that? Melodious, high degree ; 

And nearer comes, more loud, yet sweet, as drink 

The body cools ; awakes, then lulls to sweet 

Repose. Methinks a maid, and nothing more, 

His cool reply. A milking maid, for see ! 

Now enters from the bushes, tripping queen, 

As lovely — why the rose not lovelier — 



A Day's Observation. 15 

And spreading likewise, only louder blows. 
What pleasure hers ; the herd advancing home 
Escorted, general-like ; and Nature's soft 
Pavilion treading ; early, late, gazelle 
Like, timid, blushing in the dewy morn, 
Inhaling incense, exhalations, fields 
Have worn the beauty-thrilling rose. 

Ah ! how oft 
Have I me sat and wished me back again 
At life's beginning step, to choose from out 
The many, and choose his unpretending trade, 
When natures daily roving mortal I 
Espied ! his cheeks full blown and stamped the hue 
Of health; his eyes the very noon of day. 
By neither thought nor close appliance dimmed ; 
For neither is his task, and makes it less 
And less his own as on he wanders earth. 
A pleasure though, if guided, not surpassed. 
Oh ! sweet the leisure moments thought employed, 
To hold communion far above the birds, 
Unclambered home, how sweet, than nothing sweeter. 
What wealth, or power, or worth's insignia, 
Can give a gift in value to the sky ? 
And let me stay that pleasure task by books 
Or tongues endeavor ; I'd like a hand prepared 
To leave me self-communing, shut and cold ; 
'Twere charity indeed, if rash the act. 
Than be forever craving is denied ; 
Where yonder sun, but dimly, if to shine. 
And think you not with me ; one's thoughts are free. 
And should be free expressed, without a twist 



1 6 A Day s Observation. 

To give them coloring, when color doth 
But show a figure painted o'er. Meseems, 
'Twere something thee much trouble gives, or life 
Present, or life to come, or life that's past, 
I cannot guess ; your actions are so gause 
Bedecked they will not, but with doubt. But speak. 
And if assistance can the hunger still. 
Or ease that overflowing from just cause. 
Or cause unjust, in me you'll find that friend 
Who never promised but he strove to end. 
How much I value thy remarks, ah ! sir. 
Ask yonder bird that builds the highest, if 
It come persuaded, thee to sing, will I 
Confess my God, the only great and pain 
Allayer. Not for pastime was't, when sire 
Or mother mine, as dear to me as day 
Is long, but now beneath the sod, their souls 
In heaven, taught me nature's wide abode, 
Her master ; watching ceaseless o'er ; and now, 
To manhood grown, should I the work neglect. 
By loving hands begun ? But drop we this. 
Or what intended might a-wooing go, 
And chances are 'tis likely, disapproving 
What erst approved, well liked. I mean the mind. 
A selfish sort of creature, is she not ? 
Ay, is she, would you say ; but time is precious. 
And reason is thee obvious. Th' question asked, 
I answered : You were hunter ; I was hare ; * 
You did relate, and I was only caught ; 
As sound the hare, to start, as quick my own 
Again pursuing ; thoughts I entertained. 



A Days Observation. 

And these they are that gave me a wanting look. 
That many waters make a river, many springs 
Run dry. I've lost a bride ; that bride has lost ; 
The loser, I, without a doubt \ but since He so 
Preferred the bulk my shoulders resting, ought 
Or must I burdened go, through life a sore 
Delight ? Not so ! Meseemed a voice now spake, 
Hollow, as from a cave up-issuing, though 
Not me escaping ; and could it be yet fainter, 
That was the very faintness, that : which comes 
With ease to thee, and little thought requires, 
Be not as the avarice-given, to enjoy : 
But what is hard ; and worthy objects most 
Exertion need, let not a spark behind 
That might thee sorrow after. On which I'll act, 
And have recourse at each appearing time. 
To quench the flame that might, endured, betake 
Its former strength. The lost I should forget ; 
'Tis plainly said, and sooner too, the better. 
For self and others mingling, and away, 
So that if chance there be who would enact. 
Who straight into conclusions fall, by this 
My works admonished, that there is may solve. 
And more complex disorders. No more of grief! 
This day shall hence me bear as fresh, as when 
I from to seek renown, my thoughts and hopes 
Henceforth the future centered, and not past, 
To me unprofitable. With this he rose 
And shook the hand extended ; oft his lay 
As now, but less reserved, when nurses left. 
His kindness they indulging. Maid she was, 



17 



1 8 A Day^ Observation. 

And she, who notice found a tripping on 
Among the springy bushes. Happy to greet ; 
And who would not be happy, to shake the hand 
That once familiar lay ? Much spoken was there. 
The maid was long upon describing how, 
And when, his love had died, she loved repeat, 
A strange acquirement, what once had passed between. 
And her slow winding herd, composed of many, 
With shining hides and fat, was now as some 
Faint star the naked eye deceives, its shape 
And size pertaining; shapeless so, and fast 
The eye denying no previous knowledge owned. 
Yet talk they unconcerned of night's approach, 
Nor thinks this moment she, her herd could stray. 
But lo ! what changes won't occur; a change 
Most wonderful ; an instant's work is all ; 
Her eyes no more the bright, her cheeks no more 
The red — a sigh — and all is over. 'Neath 
The heaven's blue, among the strange and slow 
Advancing herds belated, might be seen 
Gaining rapidly, than not quicker could 
One go, o'er ditches, stumps, like deer the chase, 
One only thought and nothing heeding, that. 
Of gaining ground. So thought the maid, and raced 
The wind to flank her herd, already past 
What daily marches made familiar ground. 
And, spoke the stranger after having bid 
The maid adieu : How lik'st when one, 
Example we the maid ; at every space 
A conversation lends in sickly tones 
Distort, one's sorrow for departed, or, 



A Day s Observation. 

Recalling sad at every visit new, 

That chances or designed, the dead that rest, 

And promises ere long the near allied. 

If not already as a blast to be. 

Appearing, ^nd as quickly gone. 

It has 

Me much displeasure given, much, I must 

Confess, but not until I found myself 

The person of condolement, forced as slave 

[n silence hear, appeared the vintage sour. 
The sun already low, and matron's hands 
A busy bee in every house with song, 
The evening meal preparing, waiting glad 
The homeward plodding, dull, or gay surprise, 

Proffered the stranger with him go and share 

His humble board could furnish ; much, nor many 

The qualities consists our every meal ; 

But what we have, with pleasure served, and trust 

Will also thee dismiss as many a guest 

Invited, or the mouth uncalled. The wish 

By me expressed, relating to your far 

Off journey, and your promise sealed, would then, 

The room or yard assembled with much delight 

And satisfaction all my family meet. 

The opportunity I will embrace, 
With many thanks received his quick reply, 
No business having, no important part 
My steps to regulate, as free as bird. 
To choose whichever place I dare expect, 
I'll say, as many a hunter did, the first 



19 



20 A Day s Observation. 

Good-will extends, accept, and be declared. 
So lead the way good host and nimble, take 
Your long acquired, though oft regretted steps,. 
Unaltered adverse years, that minds at home, 
You know their value better, from a long 
Experience, he added smilingly. 
With gestures fitting, unbecoming not 
The practicing. You know, I dare repeat, 
What pleasantness they can, and do advance ; 
When little is the point whereon to glance. 
But heeding not, they walked along and stepped 
Not short, until to paces grew the space. 
What miles the starting point had left between. 

The house was reached, just as the busy hands 
Held counsel for reproof, and voted one, 
They all pronounced, a unity was there, 
Him guilty of a gross offense : the time 
Allotted females does usurp. But all. 
Commotion now; the head instills a fear 
As king that shows himself, yet e're he came, 
Was promised the full report he maimed. 

< The guest 

Is welcomed, gives in turn his manners learned 
At home, or studiously attained, while round 
He wandered earth, in hall or bower gained. 

A level plain of wide expanse, environs 
The cottage, story high. The acres many. 
It has to boast, its inmates daily with 
The sun, most fertile plat with diligence 
To yield pursue. All, from the smallest has 



A Day s ObservatioJi, 21 

His task alotted ; light, whom light belongs ; 

More potent arm requiring, is beset. 

No idler there is found ; himself, the head, 

His daily routine makes ; assigns to each 

Who him obeys for pay, or from a love 

His household represents. The fields avouch. 

Good management they have, with ready hands 

Complying ; when the season bids, or when, 

Too diligent, the stubborn weeds think to 

Usurp. The garden-plat attended is. 

Here, shows its loftiness, the oleander ; 

There, breathe distinguished roses ; there, upholds 

The tiny stalk its load of beauty pied ; 

Another, more adorned ; all kinds to him 

There represented seem, the climate does 

Approve, who lacks variety, concern, 

That botany comprises in one whole. 

Condensed ; a language, well the seeking worth, 

To be conversant in, to have its sweet 

Peculiar idiom. The house itself, low-roofed 

And old, has traces of a mending hand ; 

A hand, its present ailment knows to still, 

To keep from festering wounds incline, enlarge. 

Where needed is repair, its owner, who 

Himself the doctor is, prescribes, makes his 

The nurse's part, administers till wounds 

Gaping, the critic's eye but by a scar 

Remind. Not that he feared expense, forestalled 

Himself to others, might have done as well. 

And haply better ; no, but from a love ; 

Pleasure him gave to look upon, himself 



2 2 A Daf s Observation. 

Had done. He would not time curtail from off 
Addicted habit necessary, to ply. 
Amusement him in leisure moments brought. 
On mornings, ere the usual time, afield ; 
At evening, after work, he busied sat. 
Among his near allied, or out of doors 
When there his treatment lay : Things critical 
And hard, he but upon advisement held 
And managed passing well, that seemingly 
A customed hand required. 

It was not so 
Much owing to his skillfulness, as to 
His ready trying nature. He was not 
Discouraged ere attempting, grasping things 
Just as they were, not as they might be ; for. 
Achievement is prolonged, and then not as 
Productive. When so happening, he ne'er 
Before occasion had the thing now on 
His mind to execute ; quoth he 1 When can't 
I say, it will unfinished stay, a fact 
Irrefutable ; but say, I will, and put 
My all to brace that will, I either must 
Successful be or unsuccessful, one or 
The other ; and should the latter be my pay, 
I have to comfort me that a trial had 
What proved averse, and more we cannot do, 
Except to reapply and conquer in 
The end. Thus he perfected things himself 
Did wonder at. 

His life abroad, among 
The crowd contending, was one business, 



A Day s Observation. 

One chain of linking acts. He saw, and grasped 

The opportunity of promise ripe, 

As would the demon, but with less control 

Immediate. He watched continually 

The if 's, and when's, that naturally spring up, 

To failure tend, or to success indeed. 

He entertained not that fallacious notion 

Disarms from enterprising, to be prone, 

Whenever comes the way, or that it will 

When fortune me has singled. Fate, naught has 

To do with building prosperous men ; it lies 

Within themselves : they either can be prone 

Activity, which is the key to all 

Success in life, or inactivity. 

Which see may life-sustaining chances brought 

To bear digestive food, but of denied 

To taste. 

As thus he stood, to look upon 
Revealed a transient beauty, once confined. 
His eyes the flashing spirit still retained ; 
But furrowless was not his brow ; within 
Still lay, and still conceptive to the will 
Of knowledge useful, little of the wide 
Discoursive nature schools allow to gain, 
For his defective was. At'n early age 
Of life, ere serious contemplation strove 
To solve the mystery, youthful minds so like 
To cogitate — th' twain-nature man remarks, 
He forced was to enjoy himself could wield, 
Or little mind could grasp ; and well he rose 
From out the tempting throng ; right well he stood 



23 



2 4 A Day s Observation, 

And fought his way 'mid scenes that hire destroy. 

Pernicious habits none : a heaUhy mind 

And thriving body, and man's harbinger, 

Respectability ; with that, we walk 

The earth and unconstrained, with that, he chose 

Fit partner from the numberless inclined ; 

Fit, for she governed might distress herself ; 

And helped to ply and make the ends to meet ; 

Content with what she had ; desired no more 

When reason or the purse cried out against. 

She had not been a beauty, nor deserved 

The name of ugly ; what was better though. 

She had an occupation ; one, that's brought 

To bear immediately, if not, time may 

Install as necessary, to wash and scrub. 

And cook and dish ; and bosomed, what endears 

Home to the sterner sex — a loving heart — 

A heart ! what cannot it enhance ? what can 

Not it destroy? That, which devolved her hands 

Upon to execute or to direct, 

Was orderly and clean-arranged ; a place 

Assigned had each so worthless thing, and scoured 

To brightness hung utensils nicely round. 

Each day had its especial work assigned ; 

Then must all arms she swayed pursue to please 

Her will • her children not exempted ; they. 

Allotted had, capacity allowed. 

Fit portion, not from bare necessity. 

But from ability that knew to judge. 

The mother's mind possessed. She reasoned thus ; 

Things early learned, and if forgot they be. 



A Day's Obscn^atiou. 25 

Are easily regained ; and early habits 

Through life tenacious cling ; they are the die 

From whence impressions are derived ; and is 

The model good, the print is like to be. 

Nothing that's learned is useless, vain acquired, 

And have we ne'er to use it, as long, as more 

Important things are not by it forstalled. 

My utmost to present the world fit type 

They have ; my duty done, my conscience clear. 

Such motives had the mother's heart impressed. 

Such necessarily gained affection's tongue. 

Not man alone but heaven pleasure found. 

Toward her offspring she was kind, all love. 

Indulgent, when meriting no punishment ; 

Yet from a sense of duty never swerved ; 

Not picking, quarrelsome, forever fault 

At nothing finding ; no, for she studied modes, 

Enactment best enforced, and nice behavior, 

Which taught her sweet confectioned self-restraint. 

But had they merited, a punishment 

Was duly plied, which strengthened, if naught else. 

The memory. And to beg forgiveness they 

Most always came, and found it readily. 

An act was perpetrated, punished, and. 

As if forgot. Remained they obstinate, 

Moping and sour, their face distorting as 

Revenge assumes, it hovered near ; unless 

He altered straight, it was applied, and well 

Again, till was the urchin made to know. 

That power will sway ; commands must be obeyed ; 

And seldom ere was swung, he hushed and begged 



2 6 A Day s Obscrvatioii. 

Forgiveness, which with time ingrafted like, 

That once sufficient made, and fewer that once 

Occasion found to him remind persuacie. 

No interference, no rash accusing words 

Breathed either Against the other, when, stern -browed 

Admonishing, or with sensation rod 

Plying their offspring ; each reserved the hour 

To say in private, when restriction's mode 

Of training followed roused indignancy. 

After the usual jjrayer, as at meat 
They sat, the thread of conversation spun, 
Happy and quaint ; each knew to praise, acquaint 
His best-liked dish ; how to prepare, and how 
To season, what, how much, the taste enriched. 
Thus relished they the viands spread, not of 
A princely sort, but with a palate more 
Than princely, for 'twas satisfied. From loose 
And winsome talk we glide to more majestic, 
Weeding from out profusion carefully 
To meet the issue, or on importance bent, 
Mellifluous. Thus they, ere knowing with warmth 
Discussing were ; but while, thus inroads to 
Persuade, refute employing, negatived 
The hostess, and proposed to substitute 
That all delighted in, a simple tale ; 
Which, panic-like, at first their gravity 
Shook mightily; but, on reflection, one 
Poised thought they found, and succumbed readily ; 
And on suggestion, host gave chase his vein. 
Living is acting; with the senses five 



A Day s Observation. 27 

Combined, a perfect man springs to our view, 

And what therein transpires is likely to 

Affect one of these senses, that never 

Till by grim Death obliterated. Thus, 

I partly acted, heard, what now my tongue 

Assays. Years since have passed ; the snow-birds flew 

Their little life to pick ; from branch to branch, 

But downward bending, ere inclasped their bill. 

That which an earnest of another spring. 

I, young and healthy, strong, athletic as 

Youth wants to be ; quick to perceive, as quick 

Forsaking ; pondered little my design ; 

Thought less; said more than was in keeping with 

The company, or with myself, to reap 

Therefrom. I found myself one day within 

No house for many a mile the circuit round ; 

The woods me meditating saw ; no eye 

Besides, except, who all things sees. Dark grew 

The firmament, and cold the atmosphere ; 

So cold, my very heart began to chill, 

That I by thinking roused. I had not shot, 

I had not found to shoot at even — no bird, 

No fowl of any kind, as if the place 

Was haunted ; still I walked, but walking now 

As fruitless errand ; it would not disengage. 

Lost and within the woods. Sad thought to have 

Before the mind, indeed, to be of hope 

Bereft which cheers the solitary and lights 

The darkness round ; but still o'er stumps and earth 

Fearless I thought to be ; but thoughts arose 

That thrilled my body through ; I saw and heard, 



28 A Dafs Observation. 

And yet not saw, things colorless, and pied 

With color, shapes monstrous, and shapes small, upon 

My heels, the distance coming stately on ; 

And had of ghosts I then but thought, I would 

Have seen, and horrid shapes they were, a legion. 

Enough, a gladsome tinctured voice appeared 

To say, enough, and straight I saw, my fear 

Assuaged, those images withdraw ; a light ! 

Had ever transport shook me through, now leaped 

My heart for joy ; now were my feet, that lagged. 

Accelerated ; now forms bright up sprung 

And kind imagination drew. The door 

My knock received, and hasty ; yet no stir — 

No voice ; another, still by one more loud 

Was followed, and no face. What can it mean ? 

A lamp must some one trim and oil ; it can 

Not be to guide, the lost, the strange, by one 

Discharged remoter living ? No ! a sound 

Took flight upon the air, and gently passed 

My ears within ; it was the sweetest sound 

To me that ever disembodied, ever 

A battled for that envied right, supreme ) [a sound 

Where thoughts indifferent ran. Not long; and with 

A voice was coupled, gruffly, yet seemed sweet to me ; 

And were the lion's growl to mix, that moment man 

Had something more than usually, and was 

He adversely inclined. Before me stood. 

At any other time instinctively 

To shun, a man in garments clad, but such, 

That bare him witness, rags, as ragged Pat. 

His form was thin and tall thereby, which lent 



A Days Obsei'vation. 29 

Uncomely picture ; skeleton more like 
With blood endued, than man of teeming life. 
He bade me welcome ; gave to eat and drink ; 
The fire that slumbered fresh he piled with sticks ; 
Which soon a genial heat dispensed, that was. 
As health regained to my encumbered limbs. 

He said no word. I finished had, the meal 
Before me spread. Bare were the walls, the floor 
Almost as bare ; things old and rickety. 
With dust belaid lay scattered here and there. 
My patience 'gan to tire ; I had addressed 
But no reply. I rose, to him inspect 
More near, and sat me down beside the fire, 
Talking as so I did ; and took the pipe 
He reached ! but smiling it returned with due 
Remarks, acquainting that I never smoked ; 
Which now to my regret I cannot say. 
At which he seemed not stung by pride ; nor by 
Alarm, but seemed to give him pleasure, such. 
Distills a smile, translated into words. 
Reads stick to thy design. Yes ; he such thoughts 
Then harbored, for, so himself expressed. And many 
Habits, yet more destructive, he advised. 
To leave untasted and undone. Where most 
His stress he laid upon, and iterated. 
Was drink that swallows not the beast, beware ! 
Its touch is viper-like, it makes a fool 
Of man, a villain, all that's nameable, 
And comes not under heaven's ban announced. 
It made me what I am, and have gray locks 
Since superadded been ; it boy, and tears 
3 



30 A Daf s Observation. 

Began his cheeks to course, has stamped its die 
Upon my face, revealing the life I led. 

List, and I'll tell thee life to teach abstain. 
I loved, was wedded, and was loved ; but that 
I was, too late discovered I the fact — 
Too late ; for drink had jealousy uproused ; 
I formed absurd and vile solutions 'gainst 
My wife ; she, I accused unfairness of 
The marriage bed, she, I in such a fit 
Of frenzy, bid never to command my eye 
Again ; and on a night, oh ! that I could 
Forget ! that night engraven lies as prints 
Upon the lawn fresh trodden ; fresh provokes 
My memory, to see against my will ; 
The rashness by the potent cup produced. 
A night, no frost encumbered earth ; a night 
Though, as imbittering if not worse ; rain poured 
The heaven down ; the winds as maddened blew. 
She stood without, and plead her innocence ; 
'She begged the shelter, till her circumstance 
Precarious, had the test of danger stood ; 
Till was the wrath appeased that raged for miles 
Around ; then willingly would go. But deaf 
To all entreaties, deaf to sobs and sighs, 
I pushed her out into, oh ! look not stern 
Upon me, darkness, rain, uplit by fierce 
And swift descending lightning ; that I did. 
Which justified the fumes of liquor mine. 
She went, no more my eyes for joy of her. 
Will run with gladness o'er : no more her voice, 
And was at times it harsh, will sing its song 



A Day's Observation. 31 

Of praise : no more her heart to mine will bend, 

No more of all she was. The night was long, 

It would not end ; I tossed and dream' t, and tossed 

Again, 'mid horrid scenes her fate inferred. 

Ere dawn's dim light appeared ; enquiring here, 

And looking there, I scoured the country round. 

But fruitless was my search. Days thus I spent. 

From house to house, months into were they growing ; 

And still no word consoling, still no clue. 

Of hope bereft, to teach my heart that she 

Was dead began ; but death created life. 

And life impending hung; where'er or what 

Pursued, her image saw I visionary. 

Years had passed by ; still restless and concerned 

To learn her whereabouts, but uninformed 

I traveled. vSitting to be heard, not seen, 

Publicly, for shame that is by guilt aroused, 

One evening at the wayside inn, I sought. 

My limbs from travel's aches relieve, learned I 

Her fate, from men discussing near. Her corpse 

Unmourned, this very village had interred ; 

They had bestowed her tender child, that she 

Was of relieved, to distant hands inclined 

Maternally. It was a lift from off 

My heart, but not entirely ; my child, was now 

My first and last, and went to lay my claim. 

But search deluded search, I found her not. 

To whom entrusted, had left for parts unknown. 

And then it was ; that this secluded place, 

Alone to end existence chose. This ends 

My story sad, mine from o'erhastiness. 



32 A Day's Observation. 

Years are no object, features no concern, 
Unless my willingness excites in you 
An eagerness, a willing ear to hear ? 
Proceed, proceed, was all the remark I made, 
So interested 'gan I all to learn ; 
As if on me depended his success — 
On me, to lift the weight of all his years. 
My child to womanhood now grown, she counts 
Her years to twenty-one. Her mother was, 
Perhaps she has inherited ; perhaps, 
That word brings doubting to my mind to ere 
Assert my claim, not beautiful as doth 
The word imply ; but Was she not, she was 
Sufficient recompense, and had a more 
Deserving wooed and won. Complexion dark, 
And dark her brilliant eyes. Of stature low. 
But round and full her bosom. Willingness 
Implied her ways, and common sense her tongue. 
Fond meditator, and as fond, to drive 
It headlong through, when had due thought received. 
Of accuracy the very type. Consoled 
To things not otherwise inclined ; but fought 
Against, ere quality denied success. 
Such was my wife, such may my child, and should 
Your travel ere acquaint her like ; a heart 
Grateful, though miserable, shall recompense 
That for me done ; then can I happier die. 

Intent I listened, looked not from the fire 
Dancing as sprites around, grew more and more 
Convinced ; each word brought proof afresh, unto 
The proofs my mind possessed. Sire ! broke I forth, 



A Day s Observation. t^t^ 

And cast my eyes on him, your story me 
Affects, as were the very person I, 
On whom so much depends. He shrunk as spasm 
To subject man, at my quick uttered words ; 
He strained his look, then whispered pray go on. 
Description paints my love ; the very age, 
All, as portrayed, befits the heart now yearns 
But that, to make us one, the marriage rites. 
Her history, corroborates with that 
Delineated ; learned from her benefactors ; 
When age no more devolved their will to mind, 
Nor ties they meant establish, benefited. 

How felt the sire, or how he looked, or if 
Had tears his eyes or how expressed ; commends 
Me not to say ; suffice it that he went 
In buoyant steps, as had not been his wont 
For years, with me on my return. He saw 
His hut not any more ; he wished not its 
Peculiarity, remembrance all supplied. 
He lived with us, 'till age accomplished, what [timely. 
Doubtless would have done, grief, want, and care un- 
Behold ! the offspring shares narration's food ; 
His daughter holds me husband, I to wife. 
Thus, things are brought to pass, amazing on 
First sight; but not, when contemplating, His 
Ability, who all things rules directs ; 
More marvelous, more astonishing, than that 
A sire was daughtered, and a daughter fathered. 

Foundation to a man, is what a base 
Fulfills to structures stories high ; time, shows 



34 A Dafs Observation. 

Want rash, or ignorantly stinted, mused 

The guest ; while leaving table for the door ; 

By host soon followed, bringing several pipes, 

Of which he proffered him to choose. You see, 

I keep a stock ; which pleases best, your oAvn 

Make while you can, by honesty procured. 

Now sit we down, your choice and I the mine. 

We'll smoke, as none have ever smoked, our own 

Peculiar way; the pipe is good, the weed 

Not over strong, and where 's the friend that can 

Supply the place, a pipe is called upon ; 

It does effect, makes time, perhaps without 

Its curling smoke to chase a pilgrim lost 

His way; and round encompassed by the cloud 

Attired — call it selfish or what you will, 

A smoke does banish, what we would not stay. 

I do agree, his quick response, if not 
The practice be excluded, as one, who hunts 
For wealth ; his motive nothing turning, until, 
His balance too far gone, he cannot stay 
The fall. All things with moderation took. 
No bad effect, no reason to complain. 
If love, that oft bewailed right, or food 
The body serves, be always thought advanced. 
No cause presents whereon to light and give 
It blame. Thus they, enjoying sat ; of cares 
Divested ; talking sensibly, yet, with 
The humorous lined. Pipe emptied, ere the mind 
Was conscious that the weed was ashes, dead 
To fire. Another hardly lit, and of 
The feminine came on, in cheerful mood 



A Day's Observation. 35 

To seat among ; averse to smoke, which hath 

Nature implanted ; and if secretly 

Enjoying, not aware, for man forgoes. 

Their presence honor; which should be, and is, 

'Less asking gain permittance. And the new 

Arrival two contains, who could deny, 

Composed of four ; a servant, hostess, and 

Her children two ; a boy and girl, of age 

Respectively, that conversation ever 

So deep, some knowledge, some effect. Of good, 

Doubtful the quantity ; base, wicked deeds ! 

An opportunity using after, 

To strong impress ; rehearsing venturesome. 

Iniquitous deeds, t' instructive less apparelled. 

Gloss, kills the eye, but its attraction such 

To redirect ; so youthful ears, are apt 

To hear where hearing's profitless; and see, 

Where seeing' s all but advantageous. Some word, 

Expect the new-arrived, departing, some 

Eitting expression, cheerful, as direct ; 

Extending benefits, or wishing speed, 

Success ; whatever suits occasion best ; 

None are without, 'tis friendships part, thereby 

Retain, contract, new friends. And which the guest 

Not unperformed leaves sullen by ; he tunes 

His bass digressing voice, and leads a chant 

Of pleasantry inspiriting, them high 

Delights. But lo ! our little hostess May, 

Whence came ? I saw you not ; and mamma too. 

And brother here? right glad indeed, as me 

The air us now accosts ; it speaks as you, 



2^6 A Day' s Observatio7i. 

Inaudible, and you, my little May; 

But gives instead, ah ! yes, now think, I see 

Your willingness, again, 'tis wrong begun, 

You cannot solve, ah, ah, not so we speak, 

'Tis sacrificing, cant's, a word, a wicked. 

And must not be indulged ; once more, becomes 

My little May to say, thus flies the bird 

The roof upon, by trials only gained. 

And papa's picture? what says he, not can't? 

Why no ; he would it speak, and yet he halts 

As doth a balky horse, he would and not, 

And thus by fretting loses more, than worked 

He faithfully. To speak betimes, ah ! think ! 

Has given many a servant that, he might 

Have wandered earth, without. Not much 

My son, but well applied doth make the man. 

Presumption ? yes, it does, but how, as oft 

Repeated version lacks applause. And grave 

Deport, unchallenged, moping hours away ? 

Is like a pool of water, undisturbed. 

Becoming, as't attraction lacks, avoided. 

Not going from me is my queen, without 

The answer to my promise ? shows not well, 

B)' asking, gain we knowledge free obtained ; 

By lengthening, we oftentimes promote 

That spent in idleness. Now come, and hear, 

The breeze are you, and you, and all the children 

Obedient to the will matured by age ; 

It speaks, and yet not heard, and so did you ; 

Not own the truth I have care, there are who saw. 

Your father, mother, I, more witnesses ; 



A Day's Observation. 



37 



There are three to one, a sure conviction follows ; 

And one, remember, ours the choice, but Him 

Must answer. Conduct not acceptable, 

Is hell upon the earth creating, no 

Contentment, self-accusing, racking thoughts. 

Be watchful, says the Lord of many trials stood. 

And standing, lest your heart have burden great 

To carry ; hanging as the tongue to bell, 

When moved, the bell escapes a sound, and so 

Will furnish you through life, the words misplaced^ 

The deed unrighteous, crying heavenward. 

With sounds not heard, yet plainly visible 

To those around, which attitude betrays 

From inward restlessness. That one, is God, 

A witness, as unchangeable as time ; 

Forever near, and far He sees as well ; 

No record showing, yet, familiar is 

With all concerning you and me. As breeze, 

You waft his senses, nature's child who dwells 

With pleasure, loves, what's pure from fount instilled^ 

That universal flows \ to all alike 

Appearing ; but, as different moods take views 

That fill exactly their desires, you are 

A pleasure one, another grief; and oft 

Not blamable so doing, for't permits 

A various explanation, justly based ; 

To one, your all, exerting utmost him 

To please, another, with like intention, you 

Resolve ere knowing that he disregards. 

And leave him speechless, stubborn, if to stay. 

That's wrong, be witty, not another dull ; 



S^ A Day's Observation. 

'Tis heaven's chief command, resounding through 
The universe. As sown so reap we, good 
Begets, and bad its tares, if one to be 
You strive, the crop will be desire fulfilling ; 
To others as yourself; for all, admire * 

The good, no hesitation there, and should 
There be, time' 11 reconcile them unto thee, 
And you applaud, persisting in the pure ; 
When ignorance, that sometimes does reflects ; 
For it alone, can rouse contempt ; which is 
By envy first excited. Let it not [ii"ig) 

Thee shake; when you're convinced the right pursu- 
Pursue it to the chagrin of the world. 
To imitate is well, when better shows 
Than we are fast approaching to complete ; 
Then only, and once convinced make fellow man's 
Progression yours, with all the efforts to 
Excel ; that he may copy as you did, 
A model to construct ; thus, has the world 
Its present state act^uired, and must progress. 
A pause ensued, of short duration though ; 
A look to heaven seemed him thoughts afresh. 
For he resumed. You love your parents? do 
As they do bid? attentive when they speak? 
Nor murmur at, when they command ? but straight 
Away you go, apply yourself, and think 
For best they do advise? and so they do, 
Intention thinks perfection ; and profess 
You these, your attributes, unchanged by time ? 
Your answers do assert, if acts as well 
Have tongues to speak, blessed will be is, you with 



A Day's Observation. 39 

Your parents, As you now receive, for good 

Their sole desire, by many an hour exerted ; 

Meet out, when strong robust ; and show the love 

And willingness to aid, on you, so long 

With patience blended : child you are, but when 

You're grown, are they the child you were ; for age 

Decreases, youth increases, where, you sought 

Seek they, no other sources so preferred 

Distill, by heaven sanctioned. His decree. 

For best God made what's made, and laws he gave 

Performable ; for he constructed us, 

And left not wanting, nor too much, that we 

Might say with cause, fulfilling, is a pause. 

No, as He sees, see we, in fainter light. 

For right from wrong we can discern ; and know, 

By doing as we would be done by, brings 

Eternal happiness. What God belongs. 

Give Him, what man, leave him, and then is done 

And well, our debt repay inherited. 

And after bought. Now, to explain wherein 

You breeze resemble, long drawn out, but late 

Is better than never ; for, we may regain. 

Or prove the time not ample to the loss. 

Towards effecting, is relieving, much 

Is that. When children thus I see, all child, 

Something steals over me as 'twere, that put 

Their heart within my own ; I know at once, 

Parents attend by good instilling, bad 

Erase ; the opposite alas I too often 

Encourage they, 'tis beauty in their eyes. 

Vile sayings and impudence is smartness called. 



40 A Day' s Observation. 

A little man, what wont he make ? a child 

Perhaps, when age unquestioned grants ; for all, 

Not men we see, their early habits cling, 

And shine judicious as a lamp untrimmed. 

Thus caught, admiring the admired, faint heart 

That would not be transported listening. 

And movements watching ; knowledge for the sage, 

Less perfect in its lore, a source unequaled 

For learning. Man's achievement must be sought 

Of man, for present, and hereafter; who 

Desires, with diligence obtains. To think 

I'm led, when seeing youth, and fancy, that 

I see their parents' mind, in action speech 

Disclosed ; their very person think I see ; 

How minded towards effecting, how resolved. 

And prove they as you now appear, the love 

Through sense exerting, waiting seems no time, 

So occupied my senses, messenger. 

That sweet subsisting news my ails along. 

To a racing urged, than nothing could begin 

To do it honor. Sweet, the breathing rose, 

Glad faces, full as sweet ; their incense round 

Unconscious strewing, yet, some one to breathe, 

Some drooping heart may copy to enact ; 

Convinced, a happy heart discomfits naught. 

Himself the builder is. Now satisfied, 

Are my revered ? enough, the mind cries out? 

Ample to fulness? well, time has completed. 

We have it solved ; the breeze applies to you. 

Wished consort it, not you excepted, if 

Industrious, social, truthful, shunning vice. 



A Day's Observation. 41 

Thus ended guest ; on whom directed were 
All eyes, all ears, all intellect, all heart. 
Wan silence held continual sway throughout; 
Naught interrupting, scowled at noise of aspect 
To hinder had ; at distance kept they even 
The poodle, else endured, who sneaking came 
To see. The hostess, oft a look around 
Would cast at merest sound imaginable. 
Naught, so faint wafted, she would hear, provoke 
Derisions brow thereat ; no syllable 
Betrayed emotion though, there was she strong, 
A model for adoption. Were pleased and joyed 
Time sifted hearts, and felt a want supplied. 
The innocent yet growing forms respected, 
Were equally delighted ; suffered guest 
Their little hand to press, yet nearer to 
His bosom draw ; found kind compassionate 
Heart, with all eagerness desired to please. 
Impress a lasting thought ; embraced with joy 
The opportunity, at proffer made 
By guest, to seal all matter lately passed. 
By sweetest mortal's taste, a kiss. As guest 
Had finished his remarks, around himself 
He looked, met each directed eye in turn. 
As if reply he sought ; which, when the host 
Had babies' in his eyes, he challenged felt ; 
And quick his wandering thoughts collecting, thus 
Began. Ah ! sir, those days of infinite 
Joys, are unquestionably in every breast ; 
Who, stems the influx? who, would weaken? Not I, 
Can healthiness of mind insure ; and that 
4 



42 A Day s Observation. 

Beyond a doubt long has experience fixed. 

The state depends, our members likewise are 

By minor branches regulated ; if 

We rob a household, all become, if not 

Directly, sufferers ; and so, infringed, 

Our body is inclined, by law's just course 

Proceeding. Oh ! how sweet, when mortal, I, 

Desiring fancy's car, and both combined 

The will and power, laying open new 

Delights before unseen ; and familiar with. 

Yet plainer. Much, there is we practice ; things 

Not worth the owning, and acquire ; ourself. 

By Him explained, and left for self-control, 

In nature guidance finding who'll convert, 

An earnest thought by time well fortified, 

Seems ages past to think, we hurry on 

To roam in brighter, though not safer paths, 

Which time elucidates, when dreadful shocks 

Disturbs the mind, and direful consequences. 

Thoughtless procedure, need not be surprised 

At its distasteful fruit ; as we enact 

We have it, all depending on our choice. 

Wisdom rejects, what ignorance must test. 

And feel the want of knowledge at unthought 

Mishap appearing. Naught, be't ere so small, 

Expects a thought ; and former trials are 

Not misapplied, they may avert distress. 

The clouds from their swift toil released, the moon 
Now enters on her task, with hopes renewed ; 
Which partly sank as clouds enwrapped, and left 



A Day's Observation. 43 

Her self-communing, yet, not with distrust ; 

She doubtless knew, or was inspired, that time 

Would set to right, and make herself again 

With all her previous brightness shining ; and bright 

If ever, now she paces on, her train. 

Obedient like, their utmost doing light 

To send ; and one, yet brighter than the other, 

A wilderness of light. Who '11 darkness woo 

To light, as easily his own ? A change 

Is thought, and made forthwith. The arbor where 

They sate, is substituted for a view 

At heaven's messengers alert. The stars 

And moon to be their prophet, playfully 

Proving by. A rude bench, and table, chairs. 

All colorless, to weather's change exposed. 

An oak, its healthy arms far reaching, green, 

And closely leaved, the sun's piercing rays 

Almost denies, to fall the cottage roof; 

Is all that's notable : Save host, and wife. 

And children, guest, who occupy the chairs, 

Each one his comfort seated, but so ranged 

To hear distinctly speaker's words. What life 's 

Revealed when up to heaven we gaze ! now spake 

The guest — the children having gone but soon 

Expected with refreshment evening's warm 

Required — what life indeed, all busy, none 

There are complaining, none, that we can see ; 

A life of emulation it seems, each one 

Inclined, by honorable means obtained. 

To dare the worst ; now bright, then brighter still. 

Directly falls, and seen no more. Thus life 



44 . ^ Day' s Observation. 

Is liable falls, but with decision's tongue 

Success is ever new, and often is. 

Not loss, as we attribute, but a gain ; 

To work more cautious, and our mind more pure, 

To grant and give, and thus our life insure. 

Ah ! here they come, but see, to hurry prone, 
And yet their steps meandering are thought 
Advanced ; they heed obstructions in the way, 
And pay attention due, no more they give ; 
As if aware, and seldom are so young. 
That time and place together grows. How sweet 
Their voices, manners, how they cling the eye 
Observing ! and their faces, shining gold ; 
And rays emitting gold-like, he who lacks. 
To covet him excites. Smiles do deceive 
Sometimes, and where we least had thought them false ; 
But here, 'tis pure as fount distills, no gaze 
To groundward for collecting self, nor laugh 
To hide ; but as the steel, receives no dent. 
An evenness which innocence alone 
Commands. Lo ! when we think we're safe, we're just 
The opposite sometimes ; danger doth lurk 
Till end. Thus the entrusted messengers. 
Already near arrived to destination. 
Must feel the want of prudence and of care. 
Oh ! unforeseen destruction ! lauded youth 
Is hurled headlong, 'twas cautious, and not proof 
Against the snares ; few interwoven blades 
Of grass, when larger, carefully expert 
Surmounted was, has pitcher past a use. 
And trust on future errands much impaired ; 



A Day' s Observation. 45 

And made division in the nearest hearts ; 

That behavior strange, intend correct or to 

Admonish. How soon mirth to sorrow flows ! 

Their hearts were light, now heavy, anger now 

And self-reproach. They hesitate, and well 

They may, their father frowns, and anything 

But pleased he looks upon his offspring \ with 

Gestures deceiving, if there come not blows. 

But plaintive voice in earnest pleading, has 

Charm, that forgiveness hastes and threatening ends. 

Forgiven ! that's a word we love repeat. 

And silent bless the giver. Who abstains ? 

Not they, their movements do assert, if else 

Nothing; and that's sufficient, forth they haste, 

Not stumbling, back return the same, without 

A fall, nor blemished limbs, nor garments. As 

Replenished was, what more or less each grieved, 

Began the host in humorous tone to speak. 

Ye throats approach with dryness parched, and list 

Unto my say : Here's something that contains, 

But what, I'll say not, a purity if else 

Nothing to boast; 'tis liquid, such, I paid 

Not often for, but knew the time when worth 

A penny, this glass contains ; its value prized 

Not less, but substituted by a drug. 

Which, oftener tasted, has that tendency, 

And strange it is, unmanning where the man 

Had shone ; excellent this, beyond compare, 

'Tis strength productive, cooling as none else ; 

Has that, which leaves the body as it is ; 

Not swelling pompously as if wind-blown, 



46 A Day'?, Observation. 

Yet weighing; glows the cheek not from its power, 
Impairs nor wearies smoothness to irruption. 
Hence follows, that we drink, and drink around, 
As custom hath inured, each helps himself. 
But no ! desist, I've got a thought, which says 
'Tis wrong ; in what respect, it's slow about 
Explaining, hangs me on as child urged by 
A want, and bashfulness o'ercome, it draws 
The thing 'twould have, free, unconstrained. 
And finds reward of speech. Thus, I am first 
Embarassed, then my duty know, to serve 
Respectively and reap my service prompts. 
While thus employed remember I few lines, 
By one, repeated oft, my friend that was. 
For now, from whence no traveler ere returned. 
Victorious, or defeated, know we not ; 
Yet, nevertheless in heaven think I him. 
Just at such meetings, when each was frank as now. 
Expressing what his heart him prompted, gay. 
And wishing well, he used these lines repeat. 

I'm happy, are you ? but 'tis useless to ask, 
A garment will sometimes, not always us mask ; 
The wine, or hard liquor, engulphs as the sea. 
Whatever the character, of blemish, or free. 

I'm happy, why not? who'll gainsay what I dare, 
That happy we are, as were any love pair. 
Of Eden excepted, but else of a class 
That never, 'less sickness ordains to a glass. 



A Day's Observation. 47 

I'm happy, who would not? with this in his hand, 
His wife, and his children, and friends in the land, 
Intending to yield for a better each day, 
By drinking that's pure, by all passions to sway. 

I'm happy, now touch we, and health to your end ; 
Above, if it be, our assistance to lend ; 
In this that we travel, let's be as the bird. 
That never was wanting, where voices it heard. 

As each his fill had drank, and happy thought. 
The guest his vein gave diligence and zest. 
I lived among these hills until my years 
To twenty swoU'n. To labor I was forced, 
Beginning at my thirteenth year, to keep 
The stomach satisfied, that craves, and knows 
No more. The knowledge gained until removed 
From school, my utmost to retain received ; 
The leisure hours permitted. And with time 
Increased that hoarded, as I grew in height 
And years. The meantime I, on whom depends 
With their consent our happiness, my choice ; 
Adorned with goodness, grace, and mind with fruit 
Richer, than mine possessed ; a smile was hers ; 
Assistance ever her own forestalled ; where help 
Was needed she would give ; nor spoke for praise 
Designed her services; not speech she loved 
The better, when something done, foretold success. 
A being, ever dear to me, that tears 
Would flow, were't possible to bridge the gulf 
Between, and bid the living down. But past 



48 A Day's Observation. 

Is all, she lives, and still I strive to live. 

At twenty, be it said, with health and love 
My outfit, gained I a leave consent ; in trust 
Whereof I pledged, and was repledged, by her, 
(Once pleasure now no pain,) to wait return. 
However many the intervening years. 
I sailed, and gained a land of promise ripe, 
After a somewhat tedious, though not to be. 
Regretted journey ; full of storms, that betake 
A gloomy light, and past, they joy the hearer. 

Once, running smooth along; the sky unclouded ; 
On deck assembled ; some, attentive ear 
The fiddler lending, some, more light a foot 
Their limbs benumbed limber making, while others, 
Not favoring the sport, in study lost 
The view presented, came an unseen cloud 
Along, and covered, ere the mass aware 
The heavens o'er. Not long, and each his part 
Forsook, 'twas safety now, the general cry, 
As wave on wave came rolling on, and such 
A dashing ne'er I heard ; her sides were built 
For loud report, but all exceeded this. 
The sailors muttered ; here rolled a trunk, and there 
Was floored a form that moment stood ; again 
Another hardly up was down, his oh ! 
To mingle with the shrieks and prayers lisped. 
If never, then their knees upon were seen. 
And earnest as the day. Long was it so, 
But resolute the hands, and well informed 
On whom was looked, through many a tear-stained eye. 
And prayers, God ascending, to instruct — . 



A Daf s Observation. 49 

His willingness, was saved the fate of many, 

So often owing t' minds unskilled the task. 

Far into midnight, breathed more easy all, 

And happy greetings went from mouth to mouth, 

A separation filled by years, could not 

Extract a deeper glow, than issued from 

The heart. Once more was felt that messenger 

Sweet news the mind unburdened brings, to dream 

Of those behind, and bedward was the boast. 

Such trials, though inferior, had we two. 

Besides the one related, danger less, 

But sea begirt makes any comfortless. 

Another instance, worth relating, while 
Our course pursuing, many days thereafter. 
On board a sickly lady, of years, not more 
Were I to judge, than forty-five, 'twas said 
She ranked below. Her health, before she sailed 
Was bad, and worse it grew as daily sun 
Rose higher. Husband, child but one, a boy 
To see was pleasure, in whom all deplored 
The mother's sinking state ; but more remained 
Behind, two sons and daughter grown. One day, 
The calmest yet, betwixt the hours of noon 
And six, was whispered, doubtful is it, if 
The morning find alive our patient. Many, 
That came and went, and shook their heads. As clock 
Struck four, a change for better most concurred, 
But which her last. She lay in perfect sense, 
Till death her eyelids weighed, no more to ope. 
Her children left, her boy beside the bed, 
Her husband talked she with, the former through 



50 A Day' s Observation. 

The latter. Thus the minutes dragged to hours. 

'Twas six by fifteen minutes, up she raised, 

And looked around as if a farewell glance 

To take. Then spake. And as the hand of clock 

Was wanting minutes two, to finish six, 

She gently on her pillow sank, with these 

Her words, and breathed, as does the infant child,. 

Her last, 'mid pleasant scenes her fancy drew. 

I go from you. 

Kind friends, adieu ; 

'Tis pleasure, 'tis sweet to meet above. 

Kind friends, an everlasting love. 

Those words I thought, rethought, and wished no more 

Than so to speak, when dim the eyes, the heart 

But beating as the clock that's running down. 

A rather trying journey, must confess. 
Spake solemnly the host, while pouring out 
The crystal clear, and handing round to each ; 
And yet, I'll say not one regretted ; travel 
To youth, as rest to age, the first is knowledge. 
The latter not to be explained, words choke 
Possessor to describe, so heavenly 
Its nature. At arrived : the guest resumed. 
Strange, friendless, and a country less inclined 
To give, than any heretofore I gained. 
By dint of study, labor. I, yet young 
And money left my purse, repaired me daily 
To mingle with the crowd ; 'tis true, I looked 
For work ; but such I pondered on was none. 
At least to me it failed ; offers I had. 
But dignity, the ruling hour, disdained 



A Day's Observation. 51 

Than other could at least in worth contend, 

If not surpass. My money spent, no friends, 

Those made, forsook while bankrupt, had I choice. 

To either sink the grave by crime polluted, 

Or be a man, and act according to 

The times. 'Twas much against the grain, I thought. 

And went again to seek the crowd ; 'twas noon. 

And nothing yet inviting looked my way ; 

The streets I traveled up and down, and in 

And out I popped as usual, but with tread 

More heavy, as I left succeeding stores. 

'Twas five, or thereabout, my mind was based 

On homeward, as a tap my shoulders fell. 

Surprised? indeed, a sudden thought flew 'cross 

My brain, my cheeks that tint of red betook. 

Revealing as naught else reveals, my heart's 

Most cherished thought ; but of short remain, as face 

To face, acquainting his design ; 'twas quick 

In coming on, but quicker left me pale. 

I stood and marveled, looked at him afresh ; 

Then weighed his words ; that night to help him, what 

In that ? many make their living nightly earned ', 

But how was I to be assistance, day 

Not smiling on me, night would surely less. 

Thus weighing, but how long I cannot say. 

Some moments passed ere he resumed, his speech 

As water flowing, if as pure the matter. 

Not better could be wished. You are in need, 

Now fortune smiles, you hesitate, as if 

Not her you sought, but lived to revel in. 

What harm, suppose you went, and yields it not 



52 A Day's Observation. 

As presupposed, why nothing's lost, a night, 

No more ; there's Bob, and others, I, are like 

Cencerned. I saw. I heard. I felt his hands 

My shoulders lay. My blood for quicker motion 

Would be a search in vain. My cheeks burned hot. 

My brain was fire. I looked him straight. His eyes 

Met mine, so quick the change, now sombre face, 

Then pleasant-featured, coy ; what could I do. 

But look the earth, as bashfulness, o'ercome. 

A word was his; 'twas mine to think; in want 

I stood a beggar near ; no hopes t' succeed 

That home retain, already built on sand. 

What do? I knew not, riches? yes I would, 

But then the thought condemning self, O fiend ! 

In human flesh I shrieked, escape is yet, 

And leave me, no, thy words are devil-like, 

You'd say by Him inspired ; no heart you have, 

Or else, not mine seek to destroy. But still 

He stood, my weakness knew, nor I the will 

To fly. O mind that never can decide. 

What is't? but as a matter I'll applied, 

'Twill warning when too late. I yielded ! yes. 

For squares I followed him, but such torment 

I ne'er nor never after felt ; now wealth 

Predominant with that it never owned 

My senses left oblivion ; then came that face. 

That beautiful, methought, as oft my eyes 

In wonder had beheld ; then father, mother. 

Just as they stood repeatedly and gave 

The warning ; on I went, but parents' sight 

My mind had pictured, was as fire to my heels 



A Day's Observation. 55 

At every step ; endure I could not, no, 
'Twas living me consuming; yet was time. 
The seat of action lay within our sight ; 
He pointed, and as complacent were it love 
The mission lent ; no further ? no I cried, 
I've gone too far already, my conscience seared 
By that I entertained, and should I now 
Forever blast my life by one rude strain ? 
No, and it promise double I'll honest stay. 
The world hereafter will, if this not pay ; 
I'm friendless, true, and homeless soon may be, 
But beg I'll sooner, and chances are with me. 

I left him yet unstained by crime. How much 
More free could I the air inhale, before, 
'Twas dense and stifling, now as maiden fair. 
It spoke on every side yet came direction 
One. And those legs, before of heavy tread. 
Now light for dancing dressed ; and mind, and limbs. 
And eyes, as new created ; yes, so felt I ; 
And with those feelings entered my abode. 
By sleep refreshed, at break of dawn not ivhere 
I used repair, but where success was sure. 
Where every day bids welcome him who seeks, 
There found I that most healthy food to work 
And live content. Had I my notion curbed 
In time, much might I have forgone ; my health, 
Exposed to numerous bought by money spent, 
'Mong friends divided; and my conscience, that 
Indifferent yet so willing to explain. 
I kept my station ; added to my purse ; 
And added friends which labor caught, who tempt 
5 



54 A Day's Observation. 

Seldom, their mind not brooding in that way. 

For months without a change mierring still 

I came and went, but cherished ever as 

The soul, in higher station end. My hopes 

Were at length by decision blessed ; the base 

I laid had rooted ; and this it was, to tend 

My own, and live in peace with young and old, 

And being, what I wished to see. I found 

It profitable, from work that made me sweat. 

My willingness at each, if hard and to me 

Unknown, was crowned with clerkship by the hands 

Of him I strove to please, my employer, next 

To God. Thus months to years were growing, trust 

Increased and love ; with my earnings laid aside, 

That would if spent unprofitably, I 

Advanced another step, but this as light 

To him made whole, so unexpected came 

To me the offer, share I should and did. 

Profits of an extended business. 

And what became, or have you never heard 
Of him, your tempter sly? the hostess asked : 
Oh yes, few days thereafter, while at eventide 
Perusing paper as to daily news, 
A task I hardly ever leave undone. 
My eyes were made intenter as I read 
And read a name accused of robbery. 
And those his chums, and known to me as well, 
The same offence stood charged. What thoughts were 
I read and could not find enough to read, [mine ? 
So few the words that told it all. Again 



A Daf s Obse7-vation. 55 

Next evening brought the same, and verified 

By oaths; 'twas true, the house that I would rob 

By aid of theirs, had struck the fatal blow ; 

Their life forever blasted in one night. 

Few days passed by, and rumor spread the news, 

To prison sent are so and so, for crime, 

That shall be paid by years not t' exceed, 

Nor less than five ; then crimson blushed my face 

For joy ; not their distress I gloried in, 

Most just, but my escape, that had been near 

As near can be, as they, compelled perforce 

To labor where it's sought by guard and rod ; 

And reckoned, cancels with their charge to feed ; 

Estopped from that most valued when denied, 

The faculties at will to exercise. 

Again the host felt called upon, his task 
Entrusted, fame renowned ; among the few 
Assembled, for farther would it hardly go. 
So awkward in the attempt ; his sleeves to fashion 
And yet to comfort cut, were wide, and flew 
Where'er the wind directed 'mong and in 
The glasses filled ; ho, ho ! but see our waiter 
He'd shine a twinkling star, but for the scowl 
Distorts and darks his face ; now, now ! the anger, 
That's beauty for the gods; he'll wring a neck. 
Indeed will he, for see he's at it now, 
O monstrous ! strength he uses as the lion ; 
There flow the drops that weighed its bearer down ; 
Alas ! for hastiness, 'tis done ; alas ! 
What burden rests his shoulders, not of large 
But heavy, such, that pricks an eager eye 



56 A Day's Observation. 

To rearward, hears he but a name. O eye 

Of wisdom ! what hideous forms must thou create. 

When rest to limbs is life and thine as well ! 

To think is anguish, what is his who makes 

Passion a steed unruly, fierce ? But this 

Is more than I intended, you are free 

From visitation's racking life; sleeve was burdensome 

By water saturated, and to dry 

Quicker, was needed, what the housewife hastes 

By patent wringer, you, dispensed with, since 

Strength adequate is yours. I'll venture though,. 

Hereafter with more care you'll go about 

The filling up of glasses ; but why allude, 

'Tis natural for a man to shun or brood. 

What once has proved an undigestive food. 

The glasses emptied, thought lit on a sport 
And advised its going into execution. 
A song the ambient air a-floated through — 
A song to chase the hours as none away. 
And who would not to music, that soother sweet, 
And dormant powers rousing ? and the human voice 
From harshness cleansed, who '11 weary it to hear? 
The hostess sang, the children joined, the base 
Was drawn to act its part, despite the thoughts 
Advising otherwise, from inexperience. 
All sing, none shouting ; and the little voices. 
For training hardly yet complete, have felt 
It seems, the pleasantness a song is wont 
To leave behind, so earnestly they strive 
To please. 'Tis one, another is proposed. 
But unaccompanied the little voices say, 



A Day's Observation. 57 

And gladly succumbs strength, especially, 
When nice behavior captive leads the heart ; 
For who'll not give when duty bids? Their hearts 
Are happy made by giving what's their own, 
Since asking waits reply, and just reward. 
No more. 

Now all are satisfied with drink 
And song full well? We'll listen, host replied, 
Yes, to our guest, again the air on wings 
Of speed, the voice of hostess bore ; for he's 
Our evening's sport, and must resume ; yes, yes! 
Not work by halves we're used to do; 'tis whole 
Or none, our valley chimes ; that once begun 
Is ended with all the fervor of the mind ; 
We are not wanting, when a little profit 
Would be advantage gained, we're up to time 
And look for like regard. But, but ! let's think 
That buts are obsolete, we'll make no use 
Of them, they're harsh in sounding oftentimes, 
And incommode if not the heart distress. 

That's accusing, madam, and undeserved 
I stand the victim of your words, the guest, 
With little tinge of red in haste replied. 

And now suppose, indeed I'm inward shocked 
At hearing what I've heard, the host presumed, 
While towards him walking ; yours is not behavior 
That does sit well a man ; a word to fly 
And rave at, bah ! 'tis children's work, and them 
It suits as me becomes intemperance. 
I'd teach myself, yea, a method I'd invent, 
To curb as is the prairie horse, my anger 



58 A Day?> Observation. 

To a sensibility, to let it know, 

That power yet contains the helm to bid, 

And be demanded. What and all were so ! 

This life were unendurable ! Who'll weigh 

Each word that's uttered. Who will? the guest replied: 

And who will not, a mere machine as yours. 

That answers ere its spoken to. Your wife 

'Tis true, 1 did reply; but was it meet, 

To thus upbraid me with your tongue ; 'twas hers. 

Not yours to answer, then, if I replied 

Again, and showed no scruple of regret, 

As husband you had right to interfere. 

And use a language to the point, appropriate, 

Not otherwise. That's coming near, by heaven 

Not you, nor any man I'll caution from. 

My business I know, the host now sj^ake 

In temper looser screwed, his eyes as fire. 

Devouring so inclined ; no guide I want. 

And needed, you, above all men I would 

Not court. Why not ! the guest him interrupted. 

At which he shook and stamped his feet for ire. 

Subdue your wrath, 'tis useless here, I'm not 

The kind you do betray, and were I, wonders 

Before now would have been enacted ; we'd lay 

With blood bespotted on the earth, or one 

The other might deplore, his rashness silenced. 

No, feelings I have, but a sense is mine. 

That action such as you'd enforce, when swayed, 

Lies sweet the injured party after ; and you. 

Who would the heaven climb, if any part 

Be yet remaining where reflection can 



A Day s Observation. 59 

Abide, you '11 grateful feel, if not express, 
The prudence he displayed, you played your wrath. 
Now come, and act the man, think on the trouble. 
You spoke, I spoke, what cause had we to rant ; 
Was't of an kind that took away? it might. 
Did we progress yet further ! no, but as 
A pastime seemed it more, and real it was 
As death ; no cause, and yet we would ourselves 
Estrange ! Oh ! brutes cannot despise, why man 
The rational? you're blamable and I. 
Where first unheeding sat, now much concerned ; 
'Twas working in him as a bitter pill ! 
The more he thought, more plainer lay his guilt 
Him open ; up he sprang, and thus addressed : 
With outstretched hands, which were requited. 
I am not deserving what you tender, but, 
■Since willing nature singles not on whom 
To dote, forgiveness is the palm of virtue. 
You offer, I accept, we see, we grasp 
That benefits ; yes you I owe that words 
Me fail to tell, my bitterness, that self 
Devourer, you taught restraint, my guiltiness 
Is henceforth of the past ? yes, heartily 
The guest replied ; to prove that I'll forget 
My story I'll continue ; and I as proof 
Will listen. And quite sure is each, he gave 
Consent unerring with his heart ? observed 
Sly-featured th' hostess, more for having said, 
Than for importance was thereby implied. 
None has misled his heart by speech, to flame 
When parted with its previous hatred harm 



•60 A Day's Observation. 

Intending, where and when a meeting chance? 
Then is well done what's done, and not till then. 

After in humorous vein accusing each 
The other ; then promising ne'er to awake 
That past, by faith and holy words ; their minds 
Deploring, not exulting, guest resumed. 

By close attention, both as one, to what 
Was best the other saw, our business 
■Grew. Mind, that craver for yet more when blessed 
With affluence, solicited our time 
Engaged; addition's the thing to think about; 
Enlarge as doth balloon its process under. 
To share that hitherto unseen. 'Twas thought. 
Expressed, and straight resolved. The gain untouched 
Of years, consulted we, but found to lack. 
A remedy ? yes, for evils all. Our credit 
Never to blame exposed, was good, beyond 
The cover stretch, ambition spoke ; what need 
Of hesitating ; 'tis all life offers, our 
Success to speed. We did so, from a small 
And yet not small, was made for talkatives. 
Who tend to others', not their own resources, 
A business that haunted them by day 
And night ; as love, when tasted first, they could 
Not overcome their doubts as to the means 
Employed ; some said an heiress, meaning me 
As promised ; others, that a mine had opened 
At our disposal ; 'gain, some scrupled not 
To charge us with receipt by craft obtained. 
We heard, not open war, but from behind 
'The scenes their accusations, that went in one 



A Dafs Observation. 6r 

And left our other ear, unworthy time 
In its behalf is given, for a change 
If any, not for better, but for worse. 

Our business flourished ; we were rising with 
The tide ; more money, freer spent ; that had, 
Not now was thought a fitting salve to heal 
Our wounds ; we must make headway with the crowds 
Bustling on every side ; for there was Mr. 
Rich not very, and choice of company his ; 
He dwelt in marble walls, refrained from low, 
Had at command his friends; and why not we. 
Our business if any thing yet larger? 
Thus time rolled on ; we lived to our desires ; 
Parties and balls where'er was company ranked 
The common class, we'd grace an invitation; 
And in return, a manly trait, we bought 
And dished to entertain. And not to mention 
A person like concerned ; a vender of 
The human passion, when reproved, would do 
Injustice to ourselves, my partner's wife. 
A taste was hers, unequaled by mortal born 
Or yet to be, I'd venture. So refined 
Her taste, at least, so thought she and expressed ; 
That mornings when the clock struck nine, she'd gO' 
To purchase, what, she knew not, but returned 
With parcels laden, and astonished would 
He be who never saw a woven texture ; 
Such patterns, of no earthly wear, not she 
Would wear above once, or if twice, a charm 
Possessed that not the clerk was second to ; 
Not he, of honey-tempered mouth, and nice 



62 A Day' s Obsci'vaiion. 

Adopted manners ; yet she went and bought, 

As wise as ever, of value none she'd buy. 

And no remonstrance could persuade ; the lectures. 

Her husband felt his duty to award, 

For insight in his worldly affairs, she smiled 

And laughed at ; or was humor not the vein 

To meet, fit silencer, she'd boldly speak ; 

Be not alarmed, indeed I grant 'tis hers, 

A gesture from the hostess him extracted, 

But brighter left her face, as he acknowledged. 

She'd dwell upon her station ; what it was 

To be, and not achieve the height of fashion ; 

One purchase nor two, a fit decision as 

To style ; 'twas thinking without brain, we men 

Had easy selecting, since all became. Then called. 

Her friends in order, how they fared and wore ; 

The stigma on his name should she relent ; 

And thus she conquered, to her loss, if not 

Directly, yet with time. The hostess looked, 

Her face the glass, as if to speak, but on 

Transition of the mind, brought that which left 

Her unexpressed. A smile or two exchanged, 

And he resumed. 'Twas in the year when crops 

Spoke fail, from rain deprived by yonder clerk. 

And business became a braggard, from 

The actor it had been ; 'twas dull without 

A prospect yet awhile to tell the truth. 

We'd borrowed, trusted in return, from us 

Our payments were expected daily due. 

We from our debtors due, but useless, they 

Cut off from their resources, left us bear. 



A Day's Observation. d-^ 

What do? there stood we speechless, friends beseech? 

'Twould be tormenting, they were feeling touched 

As we ; but no, there were who suffered not, 

Them would we from to straighten our affairs, 

Deny they could not, no, always the dear 

And ever welcome in their sight. But, what 

Followed, imagination can assay, 

The dearest held, were less surprised, expressed 

Of their belief they entertained, before 

Our footing was on giving ground ; such friends 

We courted, and reward we reaped, 'twas our 

Destruction, theirs to grieve, if such it be. 

After dividing what remained we parted ; 

'Twas little, but enough to take me from, 

Where well informed, and yet to fortune I 

Imputed that she never owned ; the one, 

Unchanging, whom she favors. At arrived, 

I felt as one morbose, detested all, 

And thought of gaining spirits by the bowl ; 

I did so, drank and drank, but louder spoke 

What I desired to quench ; of company I 

Availed myself, nor that was expiate 

Fitting, 'twas only adding, for to drink 

Before my love, now wedded into bonds. 

You'd not perceive, were scrutiny desirous, 

My face had ever shown the marks of fire. 

But that it has, and still regret the day. 

When first to taste my lips in order parted. 

But long it lasted not, three months and I 

Had tasted all its bitterness ; my health 

Was giving, strong and lithe before, now stiff 



■64 A Day' s Observation. 

And blown as cattle for the market in 

Their veins, to weigh ; thus I seemed health, but cheat 

Above the average. How thus so long 

I could the man dispel, seems as a dream, 

It was, and further know I not. But I 

O'ercame my passion; while recalling what 

I'd been one day, and cause that brought me to 

My present state, I shrunk within myself; 

I could not help to think, how man, the strong, 

The wise, the proud, the image of Himself 

On high, could plunge as diver thoughtless of 

The rock, at fortune's fickle change ; whereas, 

With all his powers expert, he might recover, 

And more than losses he sustained. I felt 

As horse to water driven and not thirsty, 

Vexed with myself, that thus I'd wasted days. 

And set my life at naught. Then purposed I, 

As binding as an oath, to shun the cup. 

That leader to eternal woe. 'Twas hard 

Beginning, oft I knew myself to long 

As child denied its wish, and seeks where hid 

It coveted ; but will prevailed, I spoke 

To conquer, and subdue I must my thirst. 

Soon came, and very soon, by labor I 

Replaced my former self; I'd look a bowl. 

Deny myself its contents. Here I staid ; 

Applied my sinews, brain, to gain the good 

Report once more, the world is apt to give 

Deserving. Long I struggled, but with hope 

Surmount we things that spoke a grave before 

Accomplishing ; my earnestness was crowned 



A Day' s Observation. 65 

Success ; from subject labor sprung my own, 
Once more receipted I and paid. Installed, 
I steered my bark alone \ I'd do or leave 
As me thought best; the profits were my own, 
And losses none would share ; nor voice to heap 
Mismanagement was something out of order. 

Happy if ever, those my days in slow 
But sure pursuit, of lustre seeking, wealth 
And trust ; not forcing where it was mistrust. 
Nor lacking were the chances mine to add ; 
Accounted bold, but circumspect I did 
Was done. Thus, I progressed in favor more, 
And wealth, by like discharging what I would 
Receive, which seldom misses mark. But when 
Alone we steer ; enjoy the comfort it 
Advance alone ; our members with the mind 
Become a-weary, something want to cheer ; 
That want is company unsevered save 
By death ; a voice soft toned ; as willing to 
Perform as to enjoin ; proportioning. 
Exact ; to best advantage ply that yield 
Successive strokes, the head achieves to live. 
A wife, in leisure moments occupied 
My mind, without, was life with all its wealth, 
A morsel indigestible, wearisome 
Progressing; linked to one with special care 
Adorned, Eve's counterpart, if not in form, 
Grace, aptitude, in thought ; was union just, 
Enjoined ; man's complement, and hence can breathe 
Contentment to the heart, make his short stay 
The earth upon agreeable, some end 
6 



66 A Day' s Observation. 

In view. Thus moments sat I thinking, could 

Not banish, a fair and captivating form 

Despite appeared, new attributes along 

Magnificent. Sad meditation that, 

Indeed 'tis sad, to depict and not enjoy 

Love's influence under. Vain the lover's flights, 

Attributings, yet every one is bold 

The ice of undisputed strength to try 

His skill upon. I drew with love's bright tint. 

Disjointing ere complete, but recommenced 

Undaunted, 'till one whole danced to my view ; 

One who knew, yet not thought she knew ; was versed 

In nature's law, when added took when gave. 

To render life agreeable ; and one 

For making knew, at least so thought, and that 

Was meed, a promise was as binding her 

As me, she gave her word, by that was I 

•Cemented ; and hills, and mountains, waters, lay 

Between. I sailed, and what I never thought, 

Has met my eyes, the empty staring walls 

That once with joy I visited, now must 

Forego, that recollection may not creep 

Deceitful, and lay bear forbidden fruit. 

Further I know not, 'less some day when life 

Has witnessed changes, learned the past secure 

To doubts arising, traced the future more. 

May like or different my pleasure be. 



DISCRIMINATION. 



DISCRIMINATION 



Some object we are prone to ply, 
For sustenance, heart-easing joy. 
In one's pursuit imbedded lies. 
Contentment, which all else defies. 
So too we choose of pleasure's food. 
That which befitting time and mood ; 
Not always choosing that is best, 
Harmless, so by the world expressed, 
Unthinking oftener, straight the first, 
Or with forethought the very worst. 
The worst ? it might appear him sane. 
Was but a case, not out of twain 
But hundreds ! thinks so the mind 
That tries to shun, the truth inclined. 
Disturb her not, let figures die, 
She might but be turned from thereby. 
Too prone is man for granted take, 
That which minority forsake, 
As not becoming, not the way, 
Whereon to wander day by day. 
Surroundings take not by surprise, 
But degree wise entrap the eyes, 
Make like unto the like enacted. 



72 Discrimination. 

Ere knowing that we have contracted. 
Superior wit ! For furtherance plies ! 
He office holds ! Considered wise ! 
He soul's expounder for the truth, 
Preparing old, and warning youth ! 
Are looked upon as models whence, 
To draw an ample recompense ; 
Are copied where the copy blots. 
And where the copy's free of spots. 
Says one, in answer to his way, 
That is not truth's, insures decay, 
The parson does, or so, and so, 
And why not I, I do not know. 
Excuse is none for such a mind. 
So thinks, and acts the pattern blind, 
Himself doth sow, and reap must he, 
Him given is, the truth to see. 



With hurrying step there might be seen. 
Through slush aud rain, in sombre mien, 
A man ; remarkable not, yet he 
Who caught his eye, at once could see. 
Within his bosom something works. 
Unknown to him who labor shirks. 
Within his room, at once he went. 
To right was wrong, a bachelor's meant 
To do himself; full soon 'twas done. 
The fire blazed, out of place was none. 

There were uppiled a heap of books, 



Discrim i nation . 7 3 

But satisfied was he from looks, 
Ingenious thrown; they were not food, 
That suited his distempered mood. 
So he from them bethought him how. 
Tobacco would become him now ; 
No, relish had segar nor pipe, 
To think, brought shudder him and gripe. 
A walk, salubrious air inhaling, 
Perhaps, conducive to the ailing ; 
No, it not seemed possessed, to have. 
On second thought the needed salve ; 
'Twas cold, and what could it advance 
That would amuse, except by chance ? 
And chance work he then looked upon, 
Possessing, what was ever gone. 
So 'gain he sank his chair within, 
And wondered, why so oft we sin? 
'Tis easy, why as easy sure. 
To 'void the base, as grasp the pure ; 
Why are we then ? yes why ? and there 
He bordered 'gain on his despair. 
Thoughts rolling drained his spirit's dry, 
'Twas all he could to gasp and cry, 
Away ! I will not ye, away ! 
Another time ye may obey, 
Solve, and beyond confute let me, 
Acquaint the world what cannot be. 
And in that state he walked the floor, 
In strides majestic, watched the door, 
As if expecting, what, nor who. 
He cared not, and in fact not knew ; 



74 Discrimi7iation. 

Simply to gaze was all he did, 

And then renewed to pace he strid. 

Sat down again, composed his brow, 

And thought to breathe, enjoy it now ; 

But 'twas no use, he felt the same. 

In want he stood and could not name ; 

Thoughts would despite his will have sway, 

Bring objects near and far away. 

Upon the eve he was to sit, 

And brook whate'er might touch or hit. 

When suddenly a thought proposed. 

To take him straight and get composed ; 

Across the way where letters read, 

We have, affects not any head ; 

Except, he be of great desire, 

And knows not the effect of fire. 

A moment, and in it he saw, 

Once innocence dragged to the law, 

Arraigned and tried ; the sentence read; 

Then back to prison with lowered head 

The culprit walked, in sad, sad look. 

That he sprang up and aspen shook ; 

Cried out between his teeth expressed. 

Which tight and tighter him distressed, 

Till with an effort he regained 

Speech, gesture, all the shock constrained. 

Depart I say, base thoughts depart ! 

Corrupt not pure and sainted heart ! 

What, am I bound ? a slave ? a thing ? 

That cannot muster strength, and cling 

The raft, the log, that floats me by. 



D is cr mil nation. 75 

Whereon to save, hosanna cry ? 

I will be free, away I say, 

I've lived without, and shall to-day, 

Forever, yea, forever, and 

If need be, in that distant land. 

Victorious ? yea, the passion went 
Like culprit to the prison sent ; 
Declaring, nevermore to give 
The slightest cause, these walls to live. 
And straight he went, the bucket to ; 
First cooled his wrist, then falling to ; 
Drank one, another, till he felt 
Right hearty, and of perfume smelt. 
Bethought him, and for aught he knew, 
Resembling old, not that is new; 
He took his comb, the other hand 
Resting on his ingenious stand, 
In moments wrought, he had no time 
Except to eat, again to dine ; 
And gave appearance what it ought, 
A neat outside, so he then thought. 
Then took a book, and read away ; 
Feeling as when night shuns the day, 
Upon the hill, upon the lawn, 
Roaming and smiling roaming on. 

From that he mused, and thought how much 
Have I now saved, by drinking such. 
The deep contains ? perhaps, from one 
To two and three I might have gone ; 
And what the cost? a day's increase? 
Yea, haply more, I'd have no lea;Se, ,; . 



76 Discrimination. 

No thought to stop, when several drank, 
I'd only sit and good luck thank. 
Call for another, and so on. 
Till senses had, and manhood gone ; 
Perhaps, acquainted with the street 
Unmannerly, by dexterous feet 
When moneyless ; or, full as cool 
With relish me declares a fool ; 
Or, basest of the human type. 
That loiters and contracts the gripe. 

Such picture drew he. Then confessed 
His gratefulness, yet unexpressed, 
To Him, assisting who but wills. 
And upward looks, receives, distills. 
That done, ah ! how in truth express 
The change of feeling, nor scant excess ? 
Created new ? ay, that were truth, 
In body, mind, as is the youth. 

It gains, who battles 'gainst desire. 
And fierce it be, o'ercomes its fire ; 
Makes subject laws at every time. 
It tries from truth's bright way to climb; 
Thanks giving to the unseen High, 
For strength, that passions underlie ; 
Renewing, asking guidance of, 
Kind charity, and meekness love ; 
All, all, as often as the day 
His round, and oftener brightens way. 

Yes, what were we ? our life were sad, 
Indeed it were, if never glad ; 
To sink, and not regain the height 



Discrimiitation. 7 7 



We once enjoyed? undoubtedly right, 
But He, the wiser, thinks not so, 
Too honest is for dealing woe. 
To better, that's his constant aim. 
And helps the being, if the same ; 
Not seeking where is barren ground, 
Eut where him seeking, He is found. 



Well, said he to himself, if I 
Were millionaire, I'd surely die — 
Before my time, recorded is 
•Some wieldy book in realms of bliss — 
Were taskless every day, the year 
Has to complete, and new appear. 
Indeed would I, for but one setting 
Of yonder sun, sets me a-fretting. 
Displeased ? what with ? myself, and all 
That I in contact with, recall. 



To work, to work, but what ? he cried, 
I cannot now, but have you tried ? 
In whispers spake, at which he started, 
And eagerly, but fainter hearted, 
Across, askance the room, to see 
Whence issued the audacity ; 
But nothing, all seemed as before, 
Things stood unmoved, and shut the door; 
But whence those sounds? methinks I heard, 
I'd swear, perhaps it was my bird? 
7 



78 Discrimination. 

No, no, fie ! children may play child, 
And exiled rove, and fancy wild. 
Dwell long, and reconvert, but I 
The sensible, the would-be high, 
In estimation, wealth, and station. 
And fortune favor rule a nation. 
Seek, and attribute whence proceeds, 
J^Jot any nearness ? fie ! possess your needs ; 
.'Shun, simpleton employment brings. 
Direct your mind to likely things. 
Not probable seem, the latter may, 
"The former can our labor pay. 
Prom which, he thought ventriloquist. 
Perhaps he might, to play a jest 
Have tried his skill ! but no, his friends 
Not one, possessed such gift extends. 
At length, by thinking here and there, 
He did himself the voice declare. 
And to forget, he quickly dived 
Within the news, a day contrived. 
Amused, instructed, fled his care, 
Down dropped the paper, and in his hair 
His hands he glided to and fro. 
As if in search of, but let it go, 
'Tis not our business, nor will make. 
And now, already does forsake ; 
Takes up afresh, to read, enjoy ; 
And lo ! what struck his searching eye ? 
Was't deed uncommon ? was't a crime ; 
To memorize along with time? 



Discri?tiinatio7i . 

Or was't a tie dissevering case 
Needful, since was distort the face ? 
Or was't foul play ? or was't abuse ? 
Profanity, and such like use? 
No, neither his avidity 
Rekindled, filled him up with glee ; 
None of them, could impress him then, 
To rank him with impressive men. 
It was so plain ! it was so sweet ! 
That blinked his eyes, kept time his feet ; 
He read, re-read, 'till extempore, 
He almost could repeat it o'er. 

Skating this night ! come one, come all, 
The old enjoy, so do the small ; 
Delight is life ! who would not be, 
Hand m hand skating merrily ? 
Shouting, we come, let's have a race. 
To yonder blue-eyed, illumined face ! 
Now goes, ho, ho ! see me, will you ? 
The water flies beneath my shoe ; 
He comes, he comes, soon will be nigh. 
Look sharp, or past he will thee fly ; 
Now is, no run, as if for life. 
To win, perhaps may gain a wife. 
The battle 's his, look how he goes. 
Fast like a steed the dust up throws. 
Fast and yet faster, see, but see. 
Skating and crying victory. 

It made him young, it brought to mind, 
When he used vie and pleasure find, 



79 



8o Discrimmation. 

When yet he was in mother's care, 

And always had his bill of fare. 

Days, golden days ! how sweet 't must be, 

The past to trace, reality ; 

Indeed ! indeed ! and he it feels. 

The world 's deceit his blood congeals. 

But now, ah, mark, and see the child. 

His words are tears, his ways are mild. 

O mother, you, that gave me birth. 

To suffer born, how much your worth, 

Knows only he in youth denied. 

Your care and love, does all provide. 

How often, yea, have you me gave 

Direct to shun the frozen wave ; 

And what gave you ? ah ! mother, thanks. 

And are not now, you 'mongst these banks, 

Yet, must I breathe thanks for the salve 

That you, my mother, knew to have 

Ready at all times to apply. 

And was the wound not bleeding I 

Contracted had, through willful ways, 

And promised dark, not brighter days. 

Rest ! and let me from them receive 

Like offering, I destined leave ; 

Let them look back as now your son, 

And say, that hast, hast it well done ; 

'Tis all I wish ; why, what said I ? 

'Tis all I wish, and yet not dry 

Behind the ears? indeed, 'tis fast, 

Alighting ere the stone is cast ; 



Discrimination . 8 1 



But will I not ? why, certainly, 
If one vouchsafes to live with me. 



Well, so I've found at last to keep 
From wasting, or to fall asleep. 
Up, then, that it not cool, forestalled, 
By something me yet late appalled. 
But slow, shall I alone? is't wise, 
Excluding like change loving eyes ? 
No, that it is not, cannot be, 
Man's not created selfishly, 
And selfish 'twere to not invite, 
Submit to share of the delight, 
To some one known, some bright-eyed maid, 
Tripping and singing, who's dismayed. 
I will this instant go, but where ? 
Ah ! I remember, Agnes Fair ; 
She will accept ; she likes to grace, 
Where merriment, her happy face. 

So smoothing folds, and brushing clean, 
Whistling, to court a happy mien ; 
Looking him o'er, then in the glass, 
As would be doing any lass ; 
Rehearsing too he wished to say. 
Just like would any popinjay. 
But finding, ere the interview. 
Along came bashfulness but knew, 
Feelings of doubt and fear combined, 
Arrested he his tongue inclined ; 



8 2 Disc7'imination . 

Believing that untimely fear, 
Precursor is to bold appear ; 
To daunt the eye, to view the sight, 
And speak, without the heart excite. 
I need not say that she complied, 
Happy to eye, and be re-eyed ; 
Nor need I say that all ran joy, 
From age down to the smallest boy ; 
Nor that sweet Agnes ever after. 
Disdained to hold her sides for laughter. 
It was to laugh, it was to sigh. 
Moments to sob, and moments to cry. 
Untold to leave 's as great a task. 
As in the sun, and not to bask. 



They went, and reached the scene of life, 
Where mingled husband, child, and wife. 
They buckled on, o'er many a jest ; 
Nor finished, till at her request 
He did apply, a man remarks, 
Superior strength that fly the sparks ; 
And ere he would it have, no more 
His fingers need, and mind go o'er, 
The task was done ; but still remained. 
Nor she forbore, nor I explained. 

The quaint remarks of how they fit, 
If 'twere not so, 'twould better sit; 
And Sammy, or what be the name. 
Just see, and try to right that blame ; 



£) is crmii nation. 83 

I feel, 'tis something dreadful fast, 

Which aches, and tends the skates to last, 

My heels and toes prevented are, 

Or else I should be further far, 

I ought, and really can, just see. 

Since buckles loosed, and made more free. 

Alas ! what mind cannot presage. 
Does hap, and ends sometimes in rage ; 
Instills the silent words in mass. 
At other times would think to pass ; 
Escapes the burden going sage. 
As well the youth, preserved by age. 

Oh ! me, my head, my limbs deformed. 
Like barricade that has been stormed, 
A mass of ruins, strewn to wait 
The greedy hand disguised by late ; 
Takes up to hide from future gaze, 
From sun, from moon, from starry blaze ; 
Forgets the loser, thinks not him, 
That lies awaiting, solace, kin. 

And while she stops an breath to take, 
O maker, O thou saw'st, and spake. 
Let tongue be subject to the strength 
The being has, to prove its length ; 
Endeavors he, as best he knows. 
The time begotten, natural flows. 

You see, my dear, if 'twere not so, 
It might but be some other woe. 



■84 Discrimination. 

And then — Yes then, escapes her lips, 

The watery grave permits of sips, 

But this of all the engines, why ! 

The lightning can but so reply ; 

To stand and think a move to make. 

Already lie of cold to shake ; 

With bruises, sprains, and what not all. 

The garments soiled, the waterfall. 

Oh ! me, I must not, dare not think ; 

The very thought, makes me to shrink. 

'Tis rashly spoken, takes he word, 
Recall to mind, the little bird ; 
Dost know? when wishing parent's strength, 
That oft it measures winglet's length; 
And grows the passion to a will. 
Propounds it oft, and questions still ; 
'Till strength by trials weakens doubt, 
Soars high and low it free about. 

'Tis likely this, oh ! very so ! 
Compare me to the winds that blow, 
Or sun, or moon, or what thou wilt. 
These skates come off, and were they built. 

Now look you, dearest, hark me well ! 
There was a time, when I too fell. 
Not once, but often ; many a tale 
Could I relate, and far from stale. 
But fixed I had whate'er befell. 
Should have a trial again to tell ; 



Discrimination. 85; 



And almost ever kept I pace, 
With what I had in view to race. 

As he desired, her mind received 
The words he uttered, but believed ? 
And fashioned after to betray ? 
No, for a guilt her heart did pray, 
Not guilt, that may not be forgiven. 
When time reveals for what we've striven, 
Such was it not, yet, was it guilt 
Oppressive, sorrow's cup atilt, 
That spilt was many a drop, and fast. 
Working its own content at last ; 
To soil was bright, deject was gay, 
As when the night o'ercasts the day. 
A thought brought clearness to her mind, 
That as we do, we are inclined. 
And stemming influx, good denied. 
Fit thoughts collecting, spon replied : 
After sly casting one more look, 
And smiles, her late sad face betook. 

Your words of so persuading kind, 
I can but choose your will to mind ; 
Enshrine my bosom to recall, 
When would possess the demon all. 



'Twas said so sweet, and with such grace. 
That he to her drew on apace ; 



S6 Discrhnination. 

Inclasped her hand within his own, 

As friendship, strong by trials grown, 

Imprinting one, another kiss, 

'Till dreamed he was in realms of bliss. 

Her eyes met his, her heart beat fast. 

Than faster than few moments past ; 

Assayed to speak, but ah ! what came, 

A blush, a freak, which shook her frame, 

Unable ! but, as plain of speech 

Prompted the hour, had not each. 

Then thought they thought, there would have been^ 

To them more plain, a kiss between. 

And arm in arm, O pleasant task, 
Where is thy equal, may I ask ? 
On mountain top of measured height. 
Where blows the wind an pearly white ? 
On valley's plain where breathes the rose, 
And wafted sweetness transverse blows ? 
On sea's rough surface, measured by 
Eternal praise, the living cry ? 
Not so, it is the youthful sage. 
That knows to plan, subdue his rage. 
Has ears to hear, and eyes to see. 
At all times using both to flee 
Danger imports, whate'er is flecked, 
Opposed to reason, sense direct ; 
There is, where life appears the great. 
And end in view of glorious state. 

At home arrived, to young and old 
Relate their story, as 'tis told ; 



Discrhnination . 8 7 



Receiving all with goodly grace, 
What e'er betide a smiUng face. 



Sometime thereafter, Agnes Fair 
And friends and he assembled were ; 
He saw, he heard, and yet was blind. 
And deaf to their glib tongue defined, 
No matter how, and with what skill 
They varnished o'er, his mind was still 
Unsatisfied ; it would not take 
Delight in all, a friendship make ; 
So heavy lay upon his heart, 
What he to Agnes wished impart. 
O moment come, let me behold 
Agnes alone, with spirits bold ; 
Let me not droop, implant a will 
Unsatisfied till I fulfill ; 
Provoke their hearts, let them impart. 
And straight upon the word depart. 
My prayer's heard ; 'tis come ! 'tis come ! 
And quickly to extend, upsprung. 
And bid good-night ; if they perceived 
His sudden change, he not believed. 

But felt he now at home, as closed 
Had she the door, her seat reposed ? 
Was he as calm, and had no fear 
His heart, late schooled to bold appear? 
Did he approach to sit where she. 
Or where no stranger deemed to see ? 



S8 Discrimination. 

And with no blush, no absent mind, 
Would he re-wish sate they reclined ? 
Was stern his gaze, or looked he wise, 
Directed, or with down -cast eyes? 
-Or countenance the fool adorns, 
But wanting to complete his horns ? 
J know not now, I have no care 
To know, what has not truth an hair. 
But this I know, that were he from 
Sweet Agnes, he again would come ; 
Yet then he wished between them miles, 
Bitter to him were all her smiles. 

He sat and tired, and restless grew ; 
Hesolved to speak, again renew ; 
It lay upon his tongue, and yet 
On effort did he it forget. 
O God assist me, lisped his tongue. 
Dispel that hangs, not o'er me hung; 
O give me back my wonted address, 
Let me to her my heart express. 

As if there came an angel bright 
From heaven down, in marvelous might, 
The cloud of darkness took to wings. 
And left him bright, in tuneful strings. 
He met her eyes with less control ; 
Gazed long as if to read her soul ; 
Withdrew, and redirected, spake, 
And nearer drew her hand to take. 
No fear his words had to constrain ; 
No smile uplit his face in pain ; 



Discrimination, 89 

No liberty that she repressed, 
Construed he with dislike expressed ; 
Her eyes might flash, her lips might pout, 
And shift and worry might about ; 
It was no use, he would control, 
It set on fire his heart, his soul. 
Agnes, his lips escaped, O love 
Will you till summoned art above. 
Will you be mine ? He knelt not down 
Before her feet, to smooth her frown 
If one she had ; he swore nor raved 
A lunatic, nor as wild behaved ; 
Cool and composed he nursed the hour, 
As would a justice in his power, 
Watching each move, each furtive glance, 
That might betray, his joy enhance. 
He was not dull, and she was wise, 
He read his fate within her eyes ; 
She loved him ! yes, sweet Agnes did, 
And if for a time her face she hid ; 
She could not long, his words of cheer, 
Made healthfulness her cheeks appear ; 
Awoke that sweetness, only theirs 
When being humored, free of cares. 
As then she was, well pleased and gay, 
He hoped to see her every day. 
Inclining, not self-willed, perverse, 
To reason and discoursed their purse. 

After a time ; no month elapsed. 
Ere he again her hand inclasped ; 
8 



90 



Discrimination . 



He came on wings, but went not so, 
Parting became each time more slow ; 
He lingered long, and at the gate 
He never thought it could be late. 
He had not yet besought that are 
The dial-plate to show the star, 
Them leaned his heart, their image flew 
Athwart his brain, with sudden hue ; 
Not pleased, delighted seemed to be, 
They seemed bereft as idiocy, 
Staring him through, then walking down 
The floor and up in study brown ; 
Wringing their hands, and ere he knew, 
Confronting with, pray who are you? 
Can you support at fortune's change? 
Nor turning cold, nor growing strange ? 
'Twas but in vision, yet might be 
The very truth, reality. 
It did not check, it could not make 
His heart to flinch, his limbs to shake. 
Within the door, and what was there 
T' arrest his steps, awhile to stare ? 
It was but man, a rival? no, 
He only came to glean, bestow 
With others, what had passed between, 
Since last they had each other seen. 

His fears were great, yet were they vain, 
He found wherewith to ease his pain, 
They did consent ; and he was made 
The happiest mortal e'er tread shade. 



Discrimination. 91 



He cared not now, and stayed they till, 
The moon by sun was rendered ill ; 
To her he went as lightly footed, 
As dancer is, and was he booted ; 
And whispered, Agnes, come my dear, 
There's something you concerns as near. 
The blessing of a parent, see ! 
They come in smiles, they come in glee ; 
O Agnes, come, let's spare their walk, 
And trip it lightly as we talk ; 
And then return deceiving none, 
Announcing, that henceforthVe're one. 



IKE VAN DER HOUSEN. 



IKE VAN DER HOUSEN. 



Ike Van Der Housen was a good old man ; 
Not old was he, but old the village folks 
Him called ; an appellation time contracts ; 
But him not due, yet went concerning naught, 
All so would greet ; why so they did, he knew 
Himself no reason ; 'tis caprice, a whim. 
Mere nothing people love debate at times 
Would say ; or into attitude he was 
Correct in, a painter's model, stature, port. 
Combined ; 'tis honor Sam they give to age ; 
And me in paid for clothes snug fitting, fine. 
Fit object see. What odds ! the world will have 
Its way, do what we will ; some will extol, 
Time out of memory was it so, to worth 
More handsome and direct. Now Housen was 
A man well liked, as friendly one time as 
Another, none him passed he slightly knew, 
Some word becoming gave, some token of 
Respect. Contentious was he not ; to ire 
Provoked him few ; when disputant was rough, 
And disinclined to reason yield, he made 
His stay but short, retreated, or announced 
Bold and intrepid, his further counsel need 



96 Ike Van Der House n. 

Not be relied on, participation at 

An end. Many truths he uttered ; lived by truth ; 

Sought late and early to attain ; a task 

Him pleasure unalloyed. Of books he was 

A friend, all manner knowledge where, and what. 

Of substance did portend. In nature strolled. 

Comparing objects read, new features found 

Impressed. An often epitaph his wife 

Him gave, her mood not what it should be, ruffled, 

When silently he wandered o'er described 

His task ; neglecting wedlock, courting books 

Instead. When thus misled, her temper rash 

Assigned, nor left it there, took matter dead. 

And reproduced it childish-like, he felt 

Desire strong, yet repelled that into life. 

Supremacy for battled fierce, his anger ; 

And mild addressed : When she her tongue had tried, 

Exhausted matter strength ; then only, time 

Had taught him lessons many, and this of many 

He ne'er forgot. More obvious reason bears 

The palm of victory off, to silence of 

No self-restraint. Now, wife, began he : You 

Have had due audience, list to me. He who 

Addresses, thinks the case his own, no proofs 

Refuting can be brought, and well that so 

We think, thus uttered is the truth as him 

Best known. You utter forth without a thought, 

Reflection, sounding well or no, misprize, 

Deride that which, on second thought, naught else 

So handsome has to boast, and stern correct. 

Provided with life's necessary things 



Ike Van Der Housen. 97 

Immediate you are ; have naught to wish 

I'm conscious of allows my income and 

Good sense; the latter with yours weighed, must yield 

The heavier is, thereby a state does thrive, 

A household not excepted. That you lack, 

Not have, your eye does covet^ is no fault 

Of mine. I labor, meet demands with all 

The gusto of a saint ; my constant wish. 

Nay heart's desire, thee please and happy make 

Is, fair Mathilda, mine. You may believe. 

At times you seem me so, another time 

Brings doubting to my heart. 'Tis anguish sore 

To mean the best, be met with nonchalance, 

The plain act condemns. The usual time I back 

Retrace my steps ; take shortest cut to be 

Timely at home ; my heart to satisfy 

That craves an early meeting, happiness 

To sympathize, all manner woe impeach. 

Then what is mine ? Is it to satisfy 

And wander straight when filled my stomach is 

My own concern about ? frequenting clubs, 

Saloons, till weighed the senses seek a rest, 

The body as inclined ? or is it mine 

Home's cheerfulness preserve, yet brighter make ? 

The latter must receive your yes, and no. 

The former must extract. Her lips escaped 

Few syllables, and would have said yet more, 

But for her husband's interruption prompt. 

By look ! and there the wall supporting hung 

Frame interclosed these words : What you would have 

Them do to you, do also to them ! and as 



98 Ike Van Der Housen. 

She looked, beheld her eyes, as quick the heart 

Was second to, which proper thought the time 

Its justice give ; she said no more, they had. 

Those simple words, what he not could effected. 

As often as she harsh encounter sought. 

That she seemed subject to; those simple words 

She could not overcome, so taken by 

Surprise, that she aback stared emptiness, 

Disqualified to breathe another word 

For working of her heart. It worked th' desired 

Effect, and easiest means is preferable. 

As silence and sweet order reigned, he took 
The word afresh. Books are my evening's task. 
And sweet discourse ; when nothing has the house 
To occupy my here devoted time. 
What more can want the counterpart of Eve ? 
Yet want not acted is, so much more nice 
It seems, till is, and then, O hastiness 
What is not thine to feel ? you could, and do 
Re-wish, that want to be your comfort still. 
Think ! man becomes, and you not less. Think ! cried 
Forgotten bards, and thoughts supply the case 
As oft and better. Thus he ended ; his truth 
Had told ; and for the time his wife believed, 
Unanswered left the guilty, for truth pricks near, 
And is the heart as obdurate as steel. 
At times, truth leaves her mark behind. He fond 
Was very, to search that book, the Bible ; so 
Perplexing, yet so plain ; to see him thus 
Applied, was sight to look at, sight, to long 
Like application and was the time our own ; 



Ike Van Der Housen. 99 

To wish his nice accenting voice, when read, 
Or read explained. How oft, beside I sat 
His huge like form, grave listener, looker on. 
How oft, my thoughts implored the High, to thus 
Inspire with love and zeal ! his heart to be 
My heart, his all, except his body big. 
It was a child-like prayer, and yet becomes 
The man, love, zeal, not as the vapor rises ; 
The heart's desire, unaided dies away. 

Housen fed well ; which none would doubt him saw. 
Rotundity not measureless, but few 
Him scrutinized, not some compassion on 
His wondrous size, some nice comment withal. 
At which concerned would grow ; their laughter him 
Provoking ; kind affectioned was he though. 
Despite the chagrin burned his eye ; mere form 
Adapted the occasion ; bulk inspect 
All eyes, he was aware the fact, and so 
Was humorous or incensed, the ogling eye. 
Commenting tongue. Not go could he, where ply, 
Misshapen forms by dexterous cut, to make 
Parts uniform, to screen, or straighten as't 
Improves, sole study man, the outward to 
Enhance, but him they bantered with. Some news. 
If not, create the texture eyeing sons ; 
Their inclination such, surroundings make 
Them so. One knows a thing, another knows 
Improve. Reciprocal exchanges pains 
Annoyer is, good humor not expelled. 
They would him threat with an additional charge. 
Cloth more was needed, needle oftener plied. 



loo Ike Van Der Housen. 

He would them youth advance, that he was yet 

Bound servant to the secrets nature plies ; 

Not yet decided on, a man in years, 

A child in growth. Or that he less cloth using, 

Abatement none in price his slender form 

Might plead ; him, ye assail to doubt if man. 

The supposition under that ye might. 

Resolves him unexpressed, ye gain the asked 

For price. Then, they their finger ends relaxed. 

Thought, and at random shot their mind distilled. 

Proposed, to vouchsafe with his lordship drink. 

The honor was supplying worth. A mood 

Adapted to propine was theirs. Desire 

Too had long suffered. Eking out was sore 

Distress, compared his easy livelihood. 

He could it stand ; was lord of acres many ; 

Controlling, not controlled. And never yet 

Had opportunity his chuckling sound 

Revere, to so enormous size had swelled. 

Thus emptying out, alternative but one 

There seemed : yet he them grim withstood. Kept firm 

Position. Vindicated 'gainst the odds. 

Strove zealous. Reasoned most profound. Denied 

Their charge; 'twas exercise, good food and ample, 

A jovial mind disposed to things when fate 

Not otherwise, had him the bigger made. 

Regularity, that mint of gold 

Unequaled, count I mine ; were all possessed, 

No aches to cure as manifold as do 

Appear ; it makes the doctors sick ; not now, 

But were we regularity as prone. 



Ike Van Der Housen. loi 

As now the opposite we seem on bent; 

And took more outward exercise, — ^more limb 

Sustaining physic, theirs by law, if laws 

We will obey, Creator so designed. 

Went on by saying that he never drank, 

Not even tasted, but instead derived 

The benefits, where few are prone to seek, 

The morning air ; at break of dawn the hills 

From valleys sorting ; bending low to breathe, 

To feel, examine, earth extends for man's 

Delight, not woe. Thus reasoned he : at which 

Throughout, attentive ear they did him give ; 

But could not hold their laughter, his discant 

Had closed. They must betray a serious mien 

So long withheld. A look at him, his words 

Late uttered, was sufficient, bursting open 

The vein of spleen, instilling life's distaff 

Good humor. Then assailed he them afresh : 

Ye deer resembling legs, of leanness to 

The very bone, laugh on till gray hair shows 

Your beard, 'twill do you good. At my remarks 

Hold ye your sides for laughter ? at my deport, 

And bulk? F^xchange your habits. Give morning, 

Exclusive hours, spent motionless. Strain less [nights 

Your channel gulping down all manner stuff ; 

And ruddier hue adopts your faces pale ; 

Your bones will that adhere, food yields, as mine, 

Which nature gives, of solid, well-timed flesh ; 

Not loose, contracted in a day, the bowl 

May furnish, cumbersome at very best. 

That I am big impedes not me entire. 



102 Ike Van Der Housen. 

Can act my part upon am called, do daily. 

Wield sickle. Sweat my portion as the next. 

Ploughshare's impulsive movements guide. Put soul 

And body to that I undertake, feel not 

A hair the worse. And can I not compete, 

Running the goal, duration is of strength ; 

And I suppose, my loins will bear me hence 

Unscathed, the victory mine. Have done ! have done ! 

Their simultaneous voices bursting forth ; 

Content yourself; we are the conquered clan. 

Submitting on conditions ; bring the parchment ; 

Intrust it else our fetching; signatures 

Are ready here at call ; no mean act here, 

Where is united love, well wishing each 

His several task. What, tardy still ? breathe forth 

The brazen trumpet's clang ; to horse of horse ; 

Mount cannoneers, and musketeers ; in file. 

Ye footsore men. Seize him, he means not do 

The thing, surrender stipulated. Bind 

The propagator of new schemes ; his brow 

Is patent to the soul. Avert of dire 

Calamity. Translate the loss to gain ; 

And victor erst shall us appease, to terms 

Submitted sign. Hurrah ! resounds at length 

The columns through. Hurrah escapes again 

The military, for joy, that cannot be 

Expressed, but by hurrah. Again, the sound 

Of trumpet's heard. Again a voice commands; 

Recalling, summoning fresh to sign, and see 

The seal applied. Thus, is all matter late 

Between them nice discussed, wound up by drink. 



Ike Van Der Hon sen. 103 

The conquered had to pay ; he could not else, 
So close beset, with every tongue him centered ; 
His heart must wander to his hand, his hand 
Within his pocket, draw of current fund. 



HIRAM SAM. 



HIRAM SAM. 



Once, so the story goes, lived Hiram Sam ; 
Who never spoke, but what he used by-damn. 
Or some such words of vile repute ; to make, — 
His power persuasive lacked — a wide mistake ; 
Opponent strove to simplify by words. 
That issued as the notes of purest birds. 

'Twas said, that money no complaining voice, 
To render things his own, that spoke his choice ; 
For parents had, and he was legal heir. 
An only child, as oft, was let repair. 
Where'er him best his leisure moments thought. 
An afternoon, a day, if 't pleasure brought. 

A right smart boy ! would neighbors smiling say. 
When mother heard, and he, from home away ; 
Oh ! yes, her faint reply, from inward joy, — 
That panted as the steed to not annoy ; — 
He's such a dear, I cannot question ask, 
But what, you'd hardly think it, knows to mask I 

And so deceiving, oft my duty bids, 
But then I think, correction which forbids, 



io8 Hiram Sam. 

Will time erase, for I was young, and know 
What children are, the years will that outgrow. 

An education ! what's the need? says he, 
I'm rich, and mother, pleads he smilingly, 
Why should I be commanded ? teacher's love. 
But then you know, not earnest as the dove ; 
You would not, now, a kiss will all up seal. 
When older, mother, I'll to books appeal. 

And when I come to think, I find he's right ; 
My knowledge tells me wealth is ever might ; 
Why then to press him since he's not inclined, 
Our wealth commands, 'twill after we have dined; 
And as he says, when older grown to scan. 
Books may his object, where now 'tis health to plan. 

No mother's voice; no father's rod had took 
Our Hiram, from his daily haunts he sook ; 
The father feared, and so he left undone ; 
His wife neglected; others were there none 
That paid attention, none, are apt to give 
The due constraint, when parents yet do live. 

Our Hiram thought his age demanded now 
Another voice, since eighteen showed his brow ; 
But those he would were not inclined to give, 
A lifetime to a youth, had not to live. 
But what his parents furnished from their pile, 
For that, they thought, might vanish as a smile. 

A match is easy ; and here an effort small 
Would reap, if not a wife, a living doll ; 



Hiram Sam. 109. 

'Tis little matter how they do or seem, 
Persuasion sells an ordinary team, 
And money does supply, we often would 
When near acquainted, if, desiring could. 

But then a mother, days of want forgot, 
Does not consider happiness in cot. 
Not she consented ; low in birth would shame 
Their only son, and blemish might their name ; 
She not remembered, or, not would from pride. 
That once she was, what now she would deride. 

He rebelled not against this strange desire ; 
Perhaps encouraged might from his fire, 
And lead him from ; for worse it could not make, 
A marriage sometimes does the mind awake ; 
And where the wolf unfed, the lamb appears, 
Aroused to duty, contemplating years. 

He swore, he raved, more strenuous than before ;. 
At work he would not, parents wept most sore ; 
But unavailing, he would have his way. 
And loiter, where him pleased, whole days away ; 
No bounden duty to obey commands ; 
Parents now saw too late, neglected hands. 

Their money went, and if they sometimes spoke,. 
He'd threat his life, or passed it for a joke ; 
Thus gained to keep his revels up until, 
Succession made them firm against his will ; 
No further notice paid his usual vaunts, 
Unrecognized, he must forego his haunts. 



no Hiram Sam. 

In books to seek now went to lay a claim ; 
But further went not, a weariness o'ercame ; 
For that no life to him who young neglects, 
His habits more, than books upon reflects ; 
Thus he forsook, ere knowing what he sought, 
And followed in the footsteps, youth him brought. 

He drank, he chewed, kept level with the day ; 
Whence money took, was not in truth to say. 
But that he had was sure, his parents? no, 
Would not defray, that cost for merely show ; 
Thus whispered was, and not without a ground, 
That Hiram does, not in the virtuous found. 

Report will fly; his parents took to heart, 
They struggled, but, the mother felt the dart. 
She was consigned ; and soon the father felt. 
The sting him gnawing in one moment dealt ; 
Not long, and death had took him for her own ;. 
Another instance, that we reap is sown. 

Hiram was master ; king to govern all ; 
Money was his, and friends he had at call ; 
They vied for champion as in the battle ring, 
Whatever tune he'd whisper, they would sing; 
And better one proposed, another knew 
To compass him, that money faster flew. 

Things take, a turn ; and so was his inclined,. 
To ope a chasm as sudden as the wind ; 



Hiram Sam. m 

Slow messenger at first, but gains it power, 
What years have built may level any hour ; 
He had to live, and debtors ought repay. 
But left him strolling, they, another way. 

Unable to perform wherewith sustain, 
He fell to conquer in the bowl his pain ; 
And money was there needed, else not drink 
Would be forthcoming, that it was to think ; 
But him a way was open, he went relieving. 
And practiced men, in their stupidity believing. 

'Twas unsuccessful ; men had ears to hear. 
He came unsummoned, consequence is clear ; 
I know you not ; we'll this investigate, 
Authorities who represent the state 
Will take in hand, and justice mete you out ; 
You're sure to gain, what cannot be your doubt. 

Tlie sentence sounded harsh his ears, and might, 
Since taken from him freedom, man's delight ; 
That best of treasures forced to yield a will, 
That knows no pity, but his duty fill ; 
Urging to labor, and if his subject swerve, 
A way is his to plead, what yields his nerve. 

He sat, now rose, and begged a word to speak ; 
His eyes were dimmed by tears, and stained his cheek ; 
His frame not strong, now weaker than before, 
'Twas all he could, unaided, keep the floor; 



112 Hiram Sam. 

Around he gazed, the faces stern he saw, 

What could he do ? but guiltier, from withdraw. 

As I deserved, most just have they me gave, 
Who had the law to sentence, or to save ; 
But were I free, as once I knew to be, 
I would not thus, from shame avoid to see 
The eyes that speak, and pierce my very heart ; 

conscience, what a racking when you start. 

Were I brought up as many a child has been, 
Obedient, where my passion was a sin ; 
Not here I'd be, and were, I had no cause 
To grieve my childhood, void of any laws ', 

1 ought myself forbid ; but habits young. 
Are seldom left in after life unsung. 

Gone are my parents, yonder bourne to live 
I hastened them, by conduct they forgive ; 
None other though will look upon me sad. 
And know, what every mortal I have had, 
My senses for a guide, to see the right, 
And leave the wrong, by thinking God in sight. 



THE LOST CHILD 



My child ! my child ! O where' s my child ?- 
As through the crowd the mother filed — 
Oh ! give me back my lost, forlorn, 
The world is naught, without the morn. 
And down she sank a living heap ; 
Gazers assembled, nor could they keep 
From giving vent their minds employed ; 
How came ? how chanced ? perhaps decoyed ? 
And to relate when doctors went, 
As tedious as the life ill spent ; 
But such reports, and might they not ? 
Concludes the being, as that rot ? 
And pain had she, but such sad tale, 
Needs must the victim yet more pale ; 
The little hue that meant to stay, 
Was left no choice, it must away. 
No counsel more, and strove to cheer 
The being, none, seemed she to hear. 
Nor hears, nor sees, and yet not blind ; 
Nor deaf is she, nor crazed her mind ; 
For see ! she starts as from a dream, 
And sees the light her window stream ; 
Aware, a change has taken place, 

lO 



114 The Lost Child. 

Yet hesitates, and rubs her face \ 

Till recollecting, naught will stay, 

Her business must be done to-day, 

This very instant ; yea, but see ! 

Already now from her they flee. 

Mistrusting, doubting. O ye blind ! 

Perceive ye not, what changed her mind ? 

'Twas sound the air a-floating through, 

On wings, the ruddy March wind blew ! 

The bellman, he, her heart could cheer. 

He, who rang loud, accented clear. 

And on she speds as the unreined steed ; 

The least, the most, of none takes heed ; 
The secret is her own. 
To start and sigh, and moan, 
My child alone ? no, no, an guard 
His heels upon is ever hard. 

O dazzling sight ! O blessed sight ! 
But come less strong, subject your light ; 
Have pity, see ! the flush of cheeks 
And general change, your strength bespeaks. 
No, no, blaze on ; no lustre spare. 
Your rays have life, and not despair ; 
See, oh ! but see ! the boy that had 
The bellman's hand has made her glad. 
Has made her strong ; and through she makes, 
Not blushing at, such liberty takes. 
The crowd advances loud to each. 
Who stand to hear, and feel her reach ; 



The Lost Child, 115 

No, no, the sight relieves ; 
Nor thinking long, achieves. 

Not hers the child, that spoke her heart, 
And thrilled her through with love's light dart ; 
Not hers the child for feasting craved. 
Made weep and cry he's saved ! he's saved ! 
The stripling was another's pride, 
And whom the claimant, rushed to hide. 
The mother's heart, alas ! for pain. 
Had not the spring an outlet vein, 

An unseen hand to give, 

Hope, strength renew to live. 

And up she starts ; disheveled hair ; 
But thinks not now it to repair ; 
Remembers, feels, a life is worth 
The travails any time in birth ; 
And self as naught, to him explores. 
Ransacks the drawers, then deplores ; 
Him only lives, and him to save, 
Cost what it will, the mother's brave. 
My child ! my child ! oh ! give me back,. 
O bellman do, you will not lack ? 
I'll pay thee double, restore to me. 
My only thought, my picture see. 
And fresh he rings, and cries aloud ; 
His iron will amongst the crowd ; 

Since morn a mother's pride. 

Is wandering from her side. 



ii6 The Lost Child. 

Yet urges she, and minds not things, 
As on they wander, he it rings. 
Night's own and peerless beauty decks 
Already, yon' afar off specks ; 
But neither heeds her livery cast. 
That buries all, to future past ; 
An only thought, and several prayer. 
Ascends the high and mighty Sayer ; 
My child restore to me ? 
My labor pay and free ? 
Yet wander they from street to street, 
And alleys through, whome'er to meet 
Description leave ; more hasty though. 
For yonder sun is sinking low. 
He cannot long his presence hold, 
'Mid burning fire and shining gold ; 
Away ! away ! he must him hide. 
Despite his chagrin, or his pride ; 

The strongest must obey. 

The will eternal day. 

What shows the rising moon her eye ? 
What makes her turn, and speak, and fly, 
With outstretched hands, as if to grasp 
An object, yet, there's none to clasp? 
'Tis void about, no mortal soul. 
The bellman cries : commands my whole ? 
Yet after he, and strange he felt. 
Upon the sight, where mother knelt, 

Within her arms her boy. 

In prayer, beaming joy. 



The Lost Child. ny 



And younger by ten years she seems, 
As hand in hand, he laughs and screams ; 
Retards, then hastes coquettish, sly, 
As malevolence, yet all for joy. 
Thus reach they home ; but from the past 
Is drawn a lesson, watch your last. 
No more her boy is seen the street 
Alone, neglected, as we meet. 
O mothers, cherish as the day. 
But will prolong, to have their say. 
Trusting' and ever wise, 
Does not the great comprise. 



THE DRUNKARD'S LAMENT, 



How fares my little darling ? not cold, my dear ? 
The wood is coming, see, your brother now is near. 
And papa's brought to eat, much, much, but look, and 

see ! 
'Twill last, I fear alas ! to eternity ; 
The hand was late that gave, but not in vain, 
Two hearts, if one must succumb, 'twill sustain. 

Yes darling, God provideth ! 'tis He that gave. 
Through feeling hearts us sustenance, our life to save; 
Him owe existence here, and all, around, above. 
Whatever is created, and why? that we might love, 
Acknowledge, do, believe his open book, 
That teaches, ho ! behold the vast, and look. 

O darling, have I that neglected, believe. 
Henceforth another hand shall issue to relieve ; 
I'll past discard, avoid it as the serpent's tongue. 
And follow in the path that once so sweetly sung; 
The chimes of it remember, hangs me on 
As if 't had never wandered, never gone. 



The Drunkard'' s Lament. 119 

I was not what I should have been, 'twas the drink, 
Occasional tasting, made me sink ! sink ! sink ! 
Yet ere I knew within its claws embraced me so, 
I cared not who endeavored, him, declared I foe ; 
Neglecting and neglected ; house and home 
I only sometimes, then, most time alone; 

For quarrel must I, 'tis drunkard's first and last, 
Reckless about does go, and smiling thinks the past ; 
A demon pleasure him possesses like, to renew 
Is but a thought, and if the moon her orbit flew, 
Right must be wrong, and will to coward means. 
By laying on of hands, — the frame that teems. 

Thus came and went I ; to be discussion's food 
For those that knew me, and those that chanced to see 

my mood ; 
The terror of the home ; where once the faces glad, 
Towards me bounding, now, were crouching sad ; 
The meals of slender, where was plenty found 
When manly actions, and not the drunkard's sound. 

Not long, and grief and want destroying, and be 
As strong as Hercules, him to eternity. 
I, that pledged life and soul to make a heaven earth, 
My best endeavors to prolong, and healthy birth ; 
Did, what lies heavy on this heart of mine, 
Darkened her days ; my wife saw I decline. 

Till, come it must and did, oh ! what a sight, 
One morn, my wife beside me, and bereft of light ; 



120 The Drunkard'' s La?nent. 

O anguish but to think on, there she lay in death, 
And none had gave, no none had eased her dying breath; 
None by to whom impart, none bending near, 
To catch the faint words death before appear. 

Scarce was interred that I bore witness to ; 
Sank my now sick child, though long ere bereft of hue J 
And one yet younger, but she o'ercame the mortal pain 
Inherited from sire, which lives a drunkard's vein; 
A blessing was't, for better dead than alive, 
When 'twixt extremes, we cannot near, to strive. 

And such condition would wish no foe of mine. 
Sustaining life to struggle, thirst to sense incline ; 
Here, dead to bury; there, the child, and none to tend; 
No mother's silvery voice, than more than doctors 

mend ; 
A chaos as to order, love had fled. 
The weakling now, again, and over said. 

O pain, inscrutable ! 'tis worse than death, 
Its chilling blast but robs us of our breath ; 
But this? it gnaws, it pulls to pieces, yea. 
Of salt it strews, to burn, yet not away ; 
O weak thou art, O man, and reckless thou ; 
But would you be, were mine, your bosom now. 

Reform resolved, applied I far and near ; 
But winter covered o'er a crust of crystal clear; 
Forbade the hand to wield, extorted pain to hold, 
The shovel or the barrow, I once had mastered bold, 



T]ie Drunkard'' s Lament. 121 

And found those treasures labor can but yield, 
Friends willing hearted, and happy home to shield. 

Thus, down am sunk to lowest ; beg I must, 
Till yonder sun release the earth's incumbering crust; 
Kind friends than none I merit, but not for me advance 
Their purses, hearts, no, no, it cannot be, a glance 
Will them suffice ; oh ! bitter is the thought. 
When forced from want to beg, himself has brought. 

O Thou ! unheard, unseen, save in that peal of 
laughter ! 
And speakest not that seen until in days hereafter ; 
Art the important, when as I that humble kneel. 
Not meriting the sunshine, less thy beams to feelj 
Then, Lord of Justice, are to duty wake. 
The once neglecting, the once deceiving snake. 

Such an one, Lord, have pity on ; a poor wretch, 
Deserving not, and yet hath courage forth to stretch » 
Thou seest; give me strength ! my child preserve ! O 

God ! 
I know have reckless been, from out thy service trod ; 
Have brought despair, have made impressions wrong, 
The children, fitting for the world's gay throng. 

But Lord, Thou wilt forsake me not? nor deny 
I mean to strengthen in, thy plenty can supply? 
Believe, it is thy word, henceforth my duty, love. 
Shall wander not, no not, I'm strong in Thee above ; 



122 TJie Drunkarir s Lament. 

Thine image hast created, thine the power, 
And this, O Lord, if 'tis thy will, my hour. 

What! my child? no, no, it was a voice most clear,. 
An unaffected system's that hit mine eager ear ; 
Arise, and be yourself! O spirit if thou art, 
Say once again? or say, relieves yet more my heart?' 
But 'tis enough, myself I'll be once more; 
Rebuild, improve, to M^in that distant shore. 



CHECKMATING. 



HusB. Good evening, Kate ! I trust you're well? 

Wife. And think you now should I it tell ? 

HusB. Your smiling face has something new ; 

Wife. Wouldst that from me to add your few ? 

HusB. Most charming Kate, deceive me not 1 

Wife. And have you so, yourself forgot. 

HusB. The wind is changing, seest the spire ? 

Wife. Does that interpret, I'm a liar? 

HusB. Whew ! sounds alive ! was't ever heard? 

Wife. Your dome I fear becomes a bird ; 

HusB. Yet more applause, my Kate, for you; 

Wife. Ay, when we lack, the wit is new. 

HusB. O spirits come ! assist my Kate ; 

Wife. The while we ponder, grows it late. 

Huf^B. My Kate she's lovely, fair, and wise. 

Wife. Accomplished, yea, in other's eyes ; 

IIusB. That must she be, such tutor under, 

Wife. You? well the world's still ripe to wonder. 



124 C/iechnating. 

HusB. I'd pledge an ounce to any pound ; 

Wife. That might I do, if it were found. 
HusB. . The test shall be, about command ! 

Wife. The spring rebounds, withdrawing hand ; 

HusB. And so it does, how large the pool ; 

Wife. Not over so, since you're a fool ; 

HusB. That knew I well, my better Kate, 

Wife. Not dishing, from a service plate ; 

HusB. ^ Ay, there you're right, for once you've struck 

Wife. Decisive blows, are not by luck, 

HusB. And so they aint, I did forget ; 

Wife. Examples show, the sun does set ; 

HusB. By Jove he docs, past all reproof; 

Wife. Not shingling, while he's spiring roof. 

HusB. I dare repeat, my Kate is wise ! 

Wife. Aye, but not you have dropped, defies ; 

HusB. Why, no, how could I? since she's mine; 

Wife. The wretched do not always pine ; 

HusB. There say you true, the well is deep ; 

Wife. Unlooked for treasures, still to keep ; 

HusB. So must it be, the world is round. 

Wife. As if I were an angel found; 

HusB. What else of parent born, could I ? 



Checkmating. 125 

Wife. O horrid ! oh ! for wings to fly ; 

HusB. Thou wouldst not? O my Kate, my Kate ! 

Wife. Was ever man, that reckless state. 

HusB. How now, my Kate, you would not cry ? 

Wife. And can you ask, and know not why ? 

HusB. Oh, bosh, a tear is waste, you know ; 

Wife. Alas ! that men so heartless grow ; 

HusB. Not if, and that I'd swear this day ; 

Wife. That I you kneel? you beg? you pray? 

HusB. Why not would Kate, my next to life ; 

Wife. Oh, monstrous ! I, your wedded wife. 

Hui^B. Look up, and let's continue, Kate; 

Wife. O heaven, was't ever in debate? 

HusB. That's good, by life and soul it is; 

Wife. Need trouble not, you'll none of this; 

HusB. By stars and apes, but that I will ; 

Wife. Not while, let loose my hand, you swill. 

HusB. For shame ! for shame ! your lips are red ; 

Wife. And think to keep them, thence unfed. 

HusB. 'Tis spoken, well, good-night and rest ; 

Wife. You would not thus, my own, my best; 

HusB. You willed it, bid me go and seek, 

Wife. But meant, consider that, and speak. 



126 Checkmating. 

HusB. 'Tis ever known to mortal man' 

Wife. But what ? explain ? I'm all I can ; 

HusB. Speaking, and thinking otherwise ; 

Wife. Alas ! 'tis true, and yet surprise ; 

lIusB. That ought I not, hast power t' contain ; 

Wife. And will henceforth, you'll trust I fain? 

HusB. 'Tis said with truth, that what we would, 

Wife. Ought have within an pondering should ? 

HusB. And fashioned slender, give it vent, 

Wife. Like top to spin, until it's spent? 

HusB. I find thee apt, and very like. 

Wife. Would mean, that I when hot will strike ; 

HusB. We'll see, another day' 11 unfold. 

Wife. What neither of us can withhold. 

HusB. You'll spring the bound, indeed you will; 

Wife. Now, now, have faith, I love you still. 

HusB. But hold ! the proverb, Do Unto ; 

Wife. Doth take no root, the lack are you ; 

HusB. No, no, you err, a half isn't whole. 

Wife. And neither you, now come, your soul. 

HusB. Well, here's my hand, 'tis past all dispute ; 

Wife. That two can better, if one be mute. 



Checkmating. 127 

HusB. 'Tis even so, where one is blind, 

Wife. Another looks, and straight does find. 

HusB. Long life to Kate ! and those that sigh; 

Wife. And never think of asking why ; 

HusB. Are loth to try themselves relieve, 

Wife. By kissing not as we believe. * 



RETRIBUTION. 



Now, now ! desist, I pray yoii, say no more ; 
My mind's retreat let me alone explore ; 
Wouldst, couldst and shouldst becomes me not, no notl 
I'm eager, for my mind's a cauldron pot ; 
Burning its own when left alone ; but teased. 
Boils o'er, and then no telling when appeased. 
Leave me, say I, or by the Power above, 
I'll swing to grant thee, what I do not love. 
I pride not in this arm of mine, and strong 
Were it as is the strongest, and as long ; 
No ! yet its duty swerves it not from off. 
And were a greater than you to mouthe and scoff. 
Away! there's time to think, to speak, to walk ; 
The latter fits thee best ; ay, to stalk ; 
What ! beard you the lion in his den, 
To cower down by the glaring eyes of when ? 
Seek you encounter for the deed I've done, 
That you here linger as if concerning none? 
I slew him justly; and 'twere a kindred near, 
To stay the deed I'd have no inward fear; 
I'd have no thought preserving for his kind ; 
Not while I'm sensitive, and am not blind. 
Yon' peasant saw the blow that timely felled, 
And saw proceedings, ere the sight compelled ; 



Retributio?i. 129 

And dared confront unarmed, save by his ire ; 
Which burned his smooth shorn face like living fire. 

It was no death ; it might have been upon 
The innocent, a sire he tripped the lawn, 
For mere amusement, who, not could defend, 
Since not his years allowed, the insults end ; 
And then, with folded arms, to joke and fun, 
While in the act of striking an only son ? 
Who had not with, to ward his mid-air sword, 
Quietus threatened for the speaking of a word ? 
No ! by all's dear and holy, no ! not I ; 
Rather would I in cave carnivorous die ; 
Than thus to lower manhood, an epitaph to say : 
Here buried lies, O weary stranger, stay ! 
A man, but coward, go, and know, his friend 
If one he had, deplores, but not his end. 

Look to yourself, since will naught else appease ; 
Truth will be truth, and sits the liar at ease. 
Ah ! you play well, I acknowledge every part ; 
'Tis just the way beginners make a start; 
Now right, now left, so, so, I heed thy play ; 
There's blood, your arm, 'tis slightly, as you say. 

Again come on apace, yet are we friends. 
The hand of friendship now the sword extends; 
It will unmourned us through this ordeal lead, 
Or scar with wounds, that serves no earthly feed. 

Hold ! fierce contestant, hold ! let words allay 
The strife unsanctioned by man's laws this day. 
Resist your anger, see ! yon clouds apace 
Reveal His scowl, they darken at your face. 
Sheathe thy fell sword, and think the work as done ; 
That may curtail a life, but profit none ; 



130 Retribution. 

If not with smiling face and anxious hand, 

You can vouchsafe, beside opponent stand. 

What ! still for blood, for reeking blood, away ! 

Your thrust I ward, and give them through this day; 

Look not for mercy, give none to your foe, 

For such he is, till chance decide the blow; 

Till on the ground in his own blood profuse. 

Running like spring from earth and rocks made loose. 

Ha, ha ! two armies battling for a height. 

Cannot with more contempt pursue the fight ; 

Cannot deal out with more deliberate aim, 

The very heart to pluck, or pluck the brain ; 

The head from body sever, lop a limb. 

Thus seeks the blade, thus drops his own blood in. 

Ay, say you so ; what say we not ? when death 
Comes marching on to rob us of our breath ? 
Then think we can, and speak it rightly too. 
Without once hesitating if 'twill do ; 
Acknowledge faults, beg future state prepared ; 
Perhaps from ridicule's base tongue not spared ; 
Beg man's forgiveness, proudness left undone. 
Or shame, or villainy; yes, then we're prone. 
Your words confirm ; which doubts not now the world, 
And are there some that believe not what they heard ; 
Deaf, mute, to reason at my service stood, 
To stay the hand, that wished eternal good. 

Rest ! and enjoy thy rest, thou son of man ; 
Thy father's record so perhaps, they scan ; 
Thine shall not be forgot, nor admired ; 
Better it were, to have with you expired. 



THE MAN AND THE LITTLE GIRL. 



THE MAN. 



Pray, what is that ? no house, I will presume, 
So earthen, that it must be of the earth; 

Meseems, a vapor now it does exhume ; 

No being was it there, would own its birth ? 

THE GIRL. 

That, please you, sir, is where I have my home, ' 
My father and my mother ; and there were reared 

My brothers, now, the world at large do roam, 
And virtuous still I think, sir, for they feared. 

THE MAN. 

You would exchange, were offer made to thee, 
This little home for one that's noble, grand? 

Where wealth abounds, and time is made to flee 
By nothing, or unsoils the dainty hand ? 

THE GIRL. 

No, sir, and is't but little, as you say. 

Its gratefulness has still, to draw me there ; 

What, and you have great wealth? it can't allay 
My aches, as can my home, the mountain air. 



132 The Man and the Little Girl 



THE MAN. 



But tell me, since determination art, 

Which road is nearest to a stopping place ? 

The light will soon have been, to past a part. 
For on us comes the night it to deface. 



THE GIRL. 



If well afoot and light, this one pursued, 
At midnight's dreary hour you may gain ; 

And this, if with a sense of harm imbued, 
You will not take, for that is traveler's bane. 



THE MAN. 



A sad acquainting ; very sad to me. 

With tired limbs, and head and stomach ache ; 
But why despond ? the earth is using free. 

And have no morsel I, the herbs will make. 



THE GIRL. 



Come sir, with me, my parents have a heart. 
And oft before a traveler entertained ; 

No questions ask, to-morrow may depart, 
No wiser, for nor they nor you explained. 



THE MAN. 



Kind miss, I would, and yet my fears are great, 
They speak of your imprudence that you'll tell; 

A sweet conviction that, to know 'tis hate 
That can but serve, if not to leave compel. 



The Man and the Little Gii'l. 135 



THE GIRL. 



No syllable of what has passed between, 
Will I, till many a mile thou art relate ; 

To ne'er divulge my promise shall not mean, 
They are my parents, them concerns my fate. 



THE MAN. 



On that condition will I it embrace; 

So lead the way sent guide to moralize ; 
'Tis folly to indulge in undue praise, 

But greater, unacquainted, to disprize. 



A WEDDING SONG 



O mother, now guess what my mind does employ? 
And paints up my cheek, and gives histre my eye? 
And courses my alleys as quicksilver poured, 
When I but endeavor, indulgence has stored ? 
And lets me ? O mother, I scarcely can frame, 
One thought is another yet ere I can name ; 

Oh, I'm to be wedded, to promise a year; 

To one, that in person is, only, not here. 

The grass of the vale I will tread in the morn, 
As light and fantastic as dancer is borne ; 
Of roses I'll pluck to adorn and perfume ; 
And who would not come ? there'll be joy in our roomf 
Yes plenty ; Oh think of it, mother, the dance. 
Will you and another as one at a glance ; 

Oh, I'm to be wedded, to promise a year; 

To one, that in person is, only, not here. 

I'll not of the rest so refreshing, to-night, 
You'll wake me so late, oh, I know you are right; 
But pleasures that come, and ingrafted our soul, 
As light on the distant, they burn, and they coal ; 
And once in our life, when sweet thoughts seem to vie, 
We may? and good mother, you indulged them as I? 

Oh, I'm to be wedded, to promise a year; 

To one, that in person is, only, not here. 



A Wedding Song. 135 

I'll sit me and think, by the brightness of moon ; 
To doze, and not sleep, as he resting at noon ; 
I'm coming to deck, and I'm coming to give, 
That one and another, together may live ; 
So thinking me bound, I'll a blessing procure, 
By always enacting, that's noble and pure ; 

Oh, I'm to be wedded, to promise a year; 

To one, that in person is, only, not here. 

And fresh as the fount, and as light as the breeze, 
Will I to commingle, the fastidious appease. 
By once more employing the charms of a maid, 
Then husband ! forever, my groundwork is laid ; 
To you the attention, becoming a wife, 
And render the present as near to yon' life ; 
For smiles and kind words shall ever be mine. 
And heaven to bless us, that truth is enjoin. 



WILLIE AND HIS DEAD MOTHER 



O mother, look ! your Willie's near your side ; 
And will you not your gaze on him divide ? 
What see you there ? what makes you rivet thus ? 
No cloud is hanging o'er to threaten us; 
See ! clear and bright, the sun his rays does throw. 
As ever; Oh, come, mother, come, let's go, 
Upon the lawn, among the flowers gay. 
And there to breathe, to chase an hour away. 
You loved it always ! said, it was a wealth 
Surpassing all, for to body, mind is health ; 
And why not now? there's nothing left undone, 
Each in its place, and brightness every one. 
No book your anxious mind pursues, to see 
Is writ of earth, or of eternity? 
Then durst I not disturb you, and would not, no ! 
For I remember, 'tis reaping as you sow ; 
But proud thereafter, for you read to me, 
And here's the favorite chapter, see, mother, see ? 
Your eyes, your cheeks, your hand as marble cold ? 
Speak, Oh speak, mother, whyfore this icy mold ? 
What means it all? explain, I cannot bear; 
It hurts me, mother, your silence and your stare. 

See, I'm going, going, mother, far away. 
Where the rivulets meet and enter in the bay ; 



Willie and his Dead Mother. 



137 



Where thousand different sounds are feasting heard, 

From the tiniest up to the carol of the bird ; 

But no, 'tis wrong to thus abrupt depart, 

'Twill hurt her feelings, mother has a heart ; 

No, no ! I will not go, with you I'll stay, 

To soothe, to cheer you, make trouble pass away. 

What ! still as cold ? no breath to greet the mine. 
Wherewith the lips to rosy tint incline ? 
No move, no wink, no nothing all remarks ? 
As silent as the stone, more void of sparks ? 
This is not sleep? no, sleep is not so sound J 
Awake am I at such a noise found. 
O Margeret, Margeret, what has happened, say? 
My mother's been not as she is to-day ! 
Why speaks she not ? and why this breathless nearing 
Of friends and kindred, as if mother fearing ? 
Go, bid them welcome ; make known their will ; 
'Twas ever mother's duty, wants to fill. 

Dead, say you, Margeret ? mother's dead to all 
That was and is ? no more my name to call ? 
No more to warn ? no more impart an thought 
What God, and even man existence brought ? 
No more ? oh ! this is cruel, say it not. 
But rather, where the more delightful spot ! 
What land of lands ! what power's so cruel been ! 
To take, I could not have too often seen ! 

Yes, Margeret, thinking brings, say no more ; 
'Tis where my father, sister, went before ; 
12 



138 Willie mid his Dead Mother. 

'Tis where the good are called from earth to go, 
Has mother gone ; Oh who would it not know ? 
Or would not wish as I, with wings to fly ? 
How beautiful ! but think ! the realm on high 
With father, mother, sister, all to be 
One chain of love, in constant harmony. 



A MAID'S INA'ITATION. 



Come, see me when you're passing by, 

It costs you nothing, timid friend ; 
I'm hearty, talkative, and why 

Should we together not contend ? 
Discoursing life or future state, 

That, most concerns our welfare here ; 
How happiness may our estate. 

And banish all distressing fear. 

Intrude where birds the branches skip. 

And sing their soul-inspiring strains ; 
Or, at the spring they cautious dip. 

To slake or cool their heated veins ; 
Or, where the plough her furrows left. 

And ploughman keener appetite ; 
Or, where the woodman's strokes have cleft 

The sturdy oak, for warmth and light. 

Of music, singing, and those arts 

Delight the sense, but vanish soon. 
Have knowledge of, but all their parts 

Unknown to me, as is the moon ; 
For mother needs, and I am strong, 

The wealth contains my arms and brain ; 
And should I not neglect a song ? 

And other arts, to learn the main ? 



I40 A Maufs Invitation. 

Not boastful think me, truth I speak, 

Ingrafted, for my parents' way ; 
Come, what will come, in her we seek, 

To climb from things that lead astray. 
One falsehood leads to ope debate. 

When silence would elixir be; 
And whilst engaged to re-relate. 

We add unconscious, two or three. 

Of books we have, and your command, 

Await the volumes held most dear ; 
To thumb, and seal them with your hand, 

Or read them without apparent fear ; 
And praise a passage duly read. 

Or mark wherein might bettered be ; 
A sometime poet, distinguished, said. 

That read should have a thought to see ; 

And I a habit have when reading. 

To consider well a doubtful line. 
Or chapter, to extract the meaning, 

So oft is left as best define ; 
And reading is where diligence, 

Knowledge and pleasure both combined ; 
And much improves, and does enhance. 

When with another truths to find, 

Thus, friend, you see, I've ways not one. 
Whereby an evening flies away ; 

I might propose a dozen as one, 
Were time invented to obey ; 



A Maid's Invitation. 14] 

But since 'tis useless, we must try 

Our present need, each day fulfil. 
Then easy comes, no faint reply. 

From what we must, and do we will. 

Full many a time have I you seen 

With downcast look, my window by ; 
Triumphant, ere the house I ween, 

Had struck your careless searching eye ! 
And when within, oh ! fatal sight ! 

It did your heart with trembling fill, 
Admonished you a frivolous light. 

Was only, whom you thought of still. 

But come, 'tis all I dare advance, 

I'm lonesome for a friendly chat; 
And might it not ? it oft does chance. 

To put a feather in your hat ? 
And draw from sports that time will sour, 

A present joy but after pain ; 
See, yonder man he feels the power, 

That surfeit has, his every vein. 



SHE IS TO BE WON. 



I saw her but once, 

She made me ensconce 
Her picture, by manners so real, 
That vain I attempt to not feel, 

The burning desire, 

Her heart to aspire. 

Not rich was her dress ; 

Her beauty much less 
Aspired to those that believe, 
Appearance is heart to receive ; 

Be natural the bloom. 

Or, faded, assume. 

Her stature excelled ; 

The bosom was swelled ; 
Not haughty, I noticed, did bear, 
While slowly ascending the stair ; 

Or thinking approach. 

To walk it, or coach. 

Her laughter was good ; 

The natural it should ; 
Subjecting, but not from a fear, 
That aught of a nature appear. 

Infringing her cheek ; 

Supposed to be sleek. 



She Is To Be Won. 143 

And happy was she, 

Conversing with me, 
On subjects that made me deplore ! 
As thus she ran truthfully o'er; 

The knowledge I could. 

If only I would. 

But wishing is vain ; 

Close study is gain ; 
Thus, she has acquired and kept ; 
Perhaps, when I shirking or slept ; 

And dreaming I can, 

When grown to a man. 

And wake I or sleep I, 

She pictures my mind's eye ; 
A source yielding pleasure and pain ; 
Through many a night have I lain. 

As lovers can only. 

On hardness and bony. 

But why? I'm a man ! 

Success lies in plan ; 
Perseverance thereafter, doth reap 
A harvest of some kind, if cheap ; 

Why still as a man. 

Resume I to plan. 

Yes, courage I'll take; 

Perhaps for her sake 
As well as my own to appease ; 
And should we reciprocally ease ; 

I'm happy as ever 

I thought of her never. 



THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. 



The husbandman returns to his retreat, 

From toil, that on his brow drew many a bead ; 

Well knowing that to him belongs the sweat ; 
He is content, and sorrows not the need. 

In yonder cottage bright and lovely eyes. 
Peer o'er the task, with diligence pursued ; 

The little ones have caught, it seems, the prize, 
They are as if with traits but good, endued. 

O'er yonder hoary hill, the path along, 

A youth came walking light in heart and fair; , 

Not always thus has been, and is he strong, 
A mother's love did not for him prepare. 

His life is not the strangest, yet strange to hear. 
What did befall, on coming to the earth ; 

His story soon is told, was bore in fear. 

And then the charity thrown, obscured in birth. 

No more there need be said, his life may draw 
The healthy mind, and sorrow on the truth ; 

So let us be obedient to the law. 

And see, how fares our subject, brilliant youth. 



The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. 145 

There stood the cottage small, and there stood he, 
His hand upon the door, soon opened wide ; 

By one who gave a smile, then blushed to see. 
Inviting, as she sought her mother's side. 

They gave of meat and drink, and answered, asked; 

And much enjoyed, his ways were of their taste; 
Nor grave considered time, nor felt as tasked, 

The daughter, as she listened, gazed him chaste. 

Time flew away ; the youth was still their guest, 
A transient, for the village lent support ; 

He came and went, as usual gave his best; 
Their daughter, to amusements, did escort. 

As fear is not the youth's, so consequence 
Is not the maid's, unthinking plies her way ; 

What will become of him who saves no pence ? 
And what of her who throws herself away ? 

'Twas bruited, well, what of it? much is said ! 

But ah ! this was not of the virtuous kind ; 
A mother stricken was ; her soul had fled ; 

A father wandered lost,, deranged in mind. 

Not so the maid; her lot was diff'erent far ; 

Life was a drudge, but hung despite its weight ; 
She saw the household sold, her parents' star 

For charity taken, robbed of his estate. 

Herself, endured the sting till death o'ercame, 

Unaided, save by self-accusing thought ; 
How oft bemoaned the record of her name ! 
A serpent's tongue, an unwatched moment brought. 



THE SOUL 



Didst go? where to? ah, yes, too late, 
The question lies, profound, in state ; 
Perchance ? not so, it cannot be, 
That hence lies deep unfathomed sea? 
And ships besailing to and fro. 
The soul's dispatching, as they go? 

Hemmed by mountains, cliffs, and rocks? 

Topmost heights, as well the valleys, flocks? 

The voyage o'er ; a house to wait. 

Of debris hewn, to us instate ? 

And sentinels on either side. 

The bugles sounding to provide ? 

And slaves, and courtiers, maids and all, 

Just like we would it here install ? 

Grinning, smiling, chance to free, 

Epitomizing, it to be ? 

Field labor, houses build, presage? 
And too the art of finance, rage ? 
To double, treble, all that's made ? 
Inclination greater yet to trade ? 
Forgetting self and those that are 
Component parts, if near or far ? 

Wishing, doubting, then belief, 

Taking part to fashion grief? 



The Soul. 

To strifes and wars as well betake, 
When shrouded actions furrows break ? 
To slander, breathe contagion each? 
And loth to learn, but quick to teach? 
Forgetful, wicked, then to shroud, 
Anew to practice, weave a cloud ? 
Growing weaker, age the mast. 
Wherein time betrays the past ? 

No, no ! the promise paradise, 
Awakes in us the word implies ! 
No labor there, or thoughts employ. 
How shallst prepare it to enjoy ! 
No! 'tis declared, one endless day ! 
And that defined, does make us say : 

Ours a freedom, and to be 

Timeless, for eternally. 



147 



ONWARD 



Onward ! onward ! men are singing, 
Achieving, and that have achieved ; 

None are born their ears a-ringing, 
Thine is the will, thou hast received. 

To conquer we must our habits curtail ; 

Apply us as when is driven a nail ; 

Keep constant before us, success is to all, 

The willing have risen, and should I then fall? 

Onward ! onward ! men are singing, 

And easy find at length the task ; 
Kind of fond become of clinging. 

When lifted the translucent mask. 
It is not our nature at sight to pursue. 
And pleasure untainted, that speaks of a hue ; 
But as to-night follows, so becomes it a light, 
Rememb'ring is wishing to dwell in its sight. 

Onward ! onward ! who will waver ? 

Shouts the brave leader at their head ; 
Courage, and assiduous labor, 

Can only place us where they tread. 



Onward. 



149 



And like waves of the ocean he dashes, but sane; 
In front of, behind of, to cheer and exclaim. 
Our duty, remember ? ere death us prevent, 
Is free from the bitterest, your life is ill spent. 

Onward ! onward ! let's contain it. 

In all our actions to employ ; 
Gain we not wealth power by it, 

The fruit is sweet, it does not cloy. 
And who would neglect it, the meat of delight? 
Seeking, employing, and doing that's right ; 
I've sought to accomplish in path me best known, 
Therein is a heaven, who would it not own ? 



13 



LOVE'S CONFESSION. 



No more ? no more ? is that the love 

My heart impressed by constant thinking ? 
No more? the wretch; but no, above 

The execrations soar in twinkling. 
No more ? O appetite within, 

Desist your gnawing once endured, 
With all the unregarded sin 

That is in love as if immured. 

No more, he writes, depend on me. 

Once soul of all in my possession ; 
Life's not restricted, sole, and free. 

We stand to choose, each, his profession ; 
You yours, I mine, so pass me by ; 

That was, not now is of availing, 
When want unfruitful does apply. 

Deludes our search, and breathes of failing. 

What ! says the, — no, I will not curse ! 

Choose from the numberless and willing ; 
Prepare for her an untimely hearse ; 

You can no more, you end in killing. 
Untrue ? not so ! nor have 1 been 

False to my sex, by overdoing ; 
As he me saw, none has me seen. 

Attention into love construing. 



Love's Confession. 151 

The stream no more shall see us twain 

Upon the bank, enjoy its rippling ; 
No more, each other's heart from pain 

To talk, while o'er the green sward tripping. 
The stars ! could they but tell the rest ! 

My heart, it fails ; O confidence ! 
Where is thy hope at words expressed ? 

Where is? yes, where's thy recompense? 

Farewell, once thought of my thoughts, farewell, 

To other shore of love deserting ; 
Take with you, best of mortals tell, 

At conduct, not from truth diverting ; 
Take with you that, to soon forget. 

Unworthy love, and your attention ; 
In thought alone be your regret ! 

Give't not the world ! give't not expression ! 

Farewell, the painful word's expressed, 

I loved you, as I loved none other; 
When dreams disturbed my needed rest, 

They gave me joy, as a child its mother ; 
But shall no more disturb my sleep ; 

My thoughts shall be of a graver nature ; 
Of one who loves me still as deep. 

Who loves, and tampers not with nature. 



NATURE'S WEALTH 



O who has not the morning air ? 
'Tis useless, asking, everywhere 
Come voices on the ear, 
In words like these to cheer ; 
Not once, but often can I say. 
Have I the birds when in their play, 
From tree to tree they sprung. 
And sung, and sung, and sung. 

O flowers' sweetness, fled not by 
On zephyr wings to realms on high, 

Without a willing ear, 

I dropped me down to hear ; 
And rose, and stooped again to kiss. 
That hung my lips as loth to miss. 

For beauty is the rose, 

That blows, and blows, and blows. 

O fresh and life-inspiring breeze, 
Has flushed my face and made me sneeze ; 

As, onward ladylike, 

In whispers, gently Mike ; 
The pleasure give I money free, 
But come more often me to see ; 

'Twill well repay the trouble, 

You double, double, double. 



Nature's Wealth. 153 

O day's announcer, as he shows 
The harvest clad and numerous rows 

Of silent, loud, and gay. 

Along the time-worn way. 
Have well it all my memory stored ; 
And never grieved, nor time deplored, 

His best and speaking light, 

Of might, and might, and might. 

O brooklet's tiny wave has won. 
And gave an pennyworth of fun 

As in I gazed and saw. 

The microscopic flaw ; 
Her evenness and gentle flow 
Aroused my spirits to a glow ; 

And its like voice I give. 

And live, and live, and live. 

O nature, thou dost make me speak. 
When yet I lie and think and sleep, 

I'll up at gleam of day 

To roam me far away ; 
Among the beauties of this earth, 
Is nothing so since time of birth, 

The hills at early dawn, 

To yawn, and yawn, and yawn. 

O see, the rose yon' elder wears ? 
His cheeks are full and soft as pears ! 
His motto is to rise. 
And go to bed precise ; 



154 Nature s Wealth. 

From early youth within him had, 
Sometimes the sane, sometimes the mad ; 
So whispered neighbors round, 
Who found, and found, and found. 

O look upon yon' paler child, 
Than is the plague, when in its mild ; 
His legs his trowsers filling, 
But nevertheless unwilling 
To live according nature's wish, 
To seek, and find, and fetch, and dish ; 
His motto is but wealth. 
Not health, not health, not health. 



DECISION. 



Pronounce me brave ! pronounce me strong ! 

And if't were saddled with the wind, 
As I have sung, shall be my song, 

Integrity to all mankind. 

Strew roses the path along I walk ; 

Persuade my foes, and distance all 
Within the line of avarice walk, 

I will not turn, I will not fall. 

Extol the past deserving blame ; 

Paint pictures bright from sour mien ; 
The age that may hereafter name, 

To-morrow shall, to-day has seen. 

Let Fortune do what many deplored. 
Extend her hand o'er laden grain; 

Touch it I must, her fill has poured. 
But not with miser clutch, insane. 

The love I bore, as fresh to-day 

As when unknown I roamed around ; 

What if the sun should purpose stay ? 
Deny, what he is duty bound ? 



156 Decision. 

I am but man, hath Peter said, 
And am I more ? alas the day ; 

I live, I die, and when am dead, 

My wealth and power, where are they ? 

The soul, undying, soars to be. 
But where' s uncertain as we read ; 

A seed is sown, its fruit to be ; 

Like springs from like, and from the seed. 



HAD IT NOT. 



There's been a smile on every face, 
Adown the cheeks a rolling tear ; 

Scurrility is not to trace, 

But had it not a willing ear ? 

With relish view the brilliant sight. 

The never tired growing eyes ; 
Discrimination's their delight. 

But stared they not the virtuous tries ? 

Directed and obeyed the tongue 
Has that no heart experience pain ; 

In harmony together sung, 

But has it not misused its vein ? 

The busy throng the hands among 

Have labored for emolument ; 
Base deeds may not to them belong, 

But have no effort they misspent ? 

Walked have the feet to where they should, 
And back again without to stray, 

Obedient to the will they could, 

And have they not prolonged the way ? 



158 Had It Not. 

The craving members are for war 
When willing is not instantly, 

On little effort conquered are, 
But fought they not victoriously ? 

With good things mixed the bad has been, 
And pure alone contained the mind ; 

She loves the light from darkness screen, 
But has she not been willful blind ? 

The seat of friendship is the heart, 
In due respect and love concerned, 

Burning at the neglected part. 

But has she not the willing spurned ? 

The moral is, be wise in time. 

And ever do that which you would, 

When thoughts, successful men did climb,^ 
Urge and convince you that you should. 



A PAGE TO MANY DESCRIPTIONS. 



When Crod had made the world, and all 
The things that round us fall, 
There yet was something left undone, 
He knew it well, and soon 'twas done. 
He brought to life a man and wife, 
Wondering what they'd do in life. 
He placed them in a garden fine, 
Warned them for the sorrow line. 
Gave to them at their command, 
Around them dwelt, in sea, or land. 
Made them happy where He could, 
Left them where He thought He should. 

So things went on, until one day 
The wife she thought and strayed away ; 
She thought and thought, why it could be, 
That God had warned them for a tree ? 
Belike as others? for the name 
Implies the species ? Thus she came, 
Ere knowing that so near the tree. 
Unhallowed ground, and death was she. 

A look, a thought, the hand prepare. 
Was but a moment, why not dare ? 
Satan has eat? and why not she? 
The thought was ripe, the act must be. 



i6o A Page to Many Desa-iptions. 

From off a bough she pkicked and ate 
Most eagerly, and would have sate 
To feed more full, enjoy it more, 
But for the seeds revealed its core ; 
They, specie of so large a kind ; 
Held captive eyes, and fed her mind, 
That many a thought indifferent ran. 
Till all escaped, the one did ban ; 
To brook awhile her appetite, 
Perhaps, and lo ! her thought is right ; 
Already now she sees, is seen. 
To him distress, to her delight ; 
But nevertheless the space between 
He lessens quickly, to apprize 
The danger she subjects her eyes. 
Alas ! the object he did dare 
To expostulate, has proved his snare. 
The right to wrong so dexterous spun 
The temptress, that the now hidden sun, 
At her request, he would believe. 
Needed her counsel to achieve. 
So cautiously and wise progressed ; — 
And he was not by acts distressed, — 
That soon as she him pliant thought. 
The fruit him offered, to taste besought. 
He ate, enjoyed, felt much concern ; 
Desired to know, and asked to learn ; 
Nor that alone, exchanging smiles. 
Laughing o'er their fears and biles; 
Throwing stones up high in air. 
Delighted at their horrid glare ; 



A Page to Many Descriptions. 16: 

Seeing who could hit an apple, 
Making fall in reach of grapple. 
Their plays were many of similar kinds ; 
Not such as seen behind the blinds ; 
They were as children playing games, 
Unconscious of the different strains ; 
Out upon the green sward grass, 
Sheltered not by panes of glass. 

That there followed harsher words 
Between them, ere did nest the birds ! 
And sobs, and sighs, commixed with tears ! 
Repenting that, unwiped by years ! 
Is but enlargement of a fact, 
That consequence, has every act. 

14 



MARY'S CANARY 



Mary's Canary ! oh, have you it seen ? 
It sings when yet sleeping we triumph unseen ! 
Its wings are a yellow, its beak and its crown, 
The latter though never is seen in a frown. 

Mary's Canary ! would not in exchange ! 
For well does it know, what the feelings when strange ; 
It loves those are willing, and would not aloud. 
When little is wanting, or be as the proud. 



Mary's Canary ! has never told lie ; 
It forward comes bounding when Mary does try ; 
And flutters and wings, oh ! the truth it would say : 
Fears not to be cornered, nor wild dashes away. 

Mary's Canary ! of all that it would, 
Is never indulging above what it should ', 
And often has Mary been forced to believe. 
As willing to give, as it is to receive. 

Mary's Canary ! when papa's in tune. 
To whistle it something to imitate soon ; 
Is very attentive as Mary would be, 
When something's in telling, that's rough as the sea ! 



Mary's Canary. 163 

Mary's Canary ! when papa has done, 
Is thinking about, and recalling his fun ; 
If faintly at first, with a louder concludes, 
Who'll master ! so sings it, must never change moods, 

Mary's Canary ! as strange it may seem, , 
Is never the daytime seen napping between ; 
With sun does it rise, and most always withdraws, 
That sleep as avenger may never have cause. 

Mary's Canary ! you'd hardly believe 
That thoughts would it trouble, and sing to relieve 
E2re going to rest ! but as night so it sings, 
Thereafter no more, until morning light brings. 

Mary's Canary is pet to the small, 
And near or if far, they forget not to call ; 
With Mary and birdie they happy must be, 
For Mary, like birdie, is pleasure to see. 



THE STUDENT. 



At his study, from books, to thinking was led, 

A youth, ever anxious to learn ; 
Not free of the toil, nor shirking that fed. 

To gratify his heart did for yearn ; 
Nor was he the bookworm that many believed^ 

Who made it their business to know ; 
Good many a feat in gymnastics achieved, 

With grace, on his way, he did go. 

The knowledge derived of exchanging one's views, 

He knew the advantage of it ; 
Sought entrance, to glean, wherever was news^ 

The presence of woman did sit ; 
In fine, that was manly, lent virtue his frame. 

Indulged in, but not to excess; 
Well knowing, but lo ! he makes mien to exclaim, 

So list ! and let's hear what he says : 

Read I have much, and thought a good deal, 

Man's duty, imposed, so to say ; 
Inclining our nature, and ought with all zeal 

That which, doth Creator obey ; 
What man would assert, he found not a joy 

In that the Almighty decreed ? 
Enjoying is ever the truth to employ. 

And passions in strength to exceed ! 

A sometime well-wisher discovers with time ; 
I'm striving to please that I may. 



The Student. 165 

Receive of the friends in return a like chime, 

And so to continue, I pray ;' 
Yea, that is on record, to the Lord can appeal ; 

Not prayer alone think I meet ; 
'Tis acting according, makes prayer the real. 

Procures us eternity's sweet. 

In pursuit of our duty, no mandate appears, 

Heavy and dank to the mind ; 
And also is lightened the burden of years ; 

Who, then would not conquer to find ? 
Who would not at once the pleasure begin, 

To issue of coin he would save ? 
The wicked encourage, and pride in their sin. 

But would they receive as they gave ? 

Alas, the reception such hand would receive, 

That thought to return them their own ! 
Indignant they'd stand, and as soon would believe, 

The world had from nothing self grown ; 
As man be forgetting his duty to man. 

The rational empowered to know. 
That reaping depends somewhat on the plan. 

But more, on the quality we sow. 

And from the close study, and thinking about, 

The moments permitted from labor. 
That God to remember in action as out. 

Is seldom to fail in and save her, — 
The hull of existence ; who says he cannot ? 

As easy as shineth the sun ! 
When once we have willed it, the power we got, 

Propelleth as if not begun. 



THE SOLDIER'S RETURN 



THE CONFESSION. 

Jeanette, Jeanette ! come nearer child ; 

I've struggled long, incessantly, 
To be with you, before I died 

From wounds, I owed my countery. 

Jeanette, Jeanette I do leave me not, 
See ! the pinned badge I on me wear 

Is conduct's plea, the all I got. 

To show you I was mingling there. — 

Jeanette, Jeanette ! yet young you were, 
When I you left, my native place ; 

I thought I'd find her sitting there. 
And meet me on in smiles apace. 

Jeanette, Jeanette ! methinks I see ! 

Oh ! that I could ascend on wings ; 
Your mother has a heart for me. 

And dwells, she now, 'mongst brighter things: 

THE CURSE. 

Oh ! why, to dwell apart from each other, 

So many thousand miles apart ! 
I wish I could be near you ever, 

And clasp you to my loving heart. 



The Soldier's Return. 167 

Blow, blow, ye winds, yet fiercer blow ! 
Unroof the houses, lay them low ; 
Sweep, as you can only sweep. 
Them all asunder, or a heap. 

Alone, forsaken, here must wander, 

As pilgrim from a banished land ; 
Without a soul t' relieve my wonder. 

Which only lasts, to turn the hand. 

Applaud ! ye shapes, and do your best 
That walk the earth, in heart distressed ; 
Come forth ye spirits all, and do 
As guilt now doeth unto you. 



THE DAUGHTER S REPLY. 

Father, father, kiss thy daughter. 
Kiss her as in days of yore ; 

And a smile with childish laughter, 
Be thy blessing, evermore ; 

Ever will I with thee stay. 

Thee to nourish, night and day. 

Father, father, I am working, 
You, the salary shall be borne ; 

With a heart that knows no shirking. 
Shall we not fill up our horn ? 

Shall we not be happy ? say. 

Father, each and every day ? 



1 68 The Soldier's Return. 

Father, father, as the fountain. 
Bubbling dewdrops clear and bright ; 

Peering higher than the mountain, 
For its daily cheering sight ; 

Thus will I to heaven gaze 

Thoughtful eyeing all His ways. 

THE PRAYER. 

Heav'nly Father, Thou, who seest ! 
And art light in truth, and love ; 

Savior ! of the soul supremest. 
Guide us to thy side above ! 

Guide us now, and lead us ever, 

That we stray, and falter never. 

Heav'nly Father, source eternal, 
Look with charity on our deeds ; 

Frail we are. Thou know'st external, 
All too quick, us captive leads ; 

Of thy goodness fill our heart. 

Well committed every part. 

Heav'nly Father, grant thy blessing, 
On this union of to-day ; 

Fit us, oh ! that thy caressing, 
O'er our inclinations sway, 

Ever to perceive in Thee, 

Source of all that's purity. 



STANZAS 



Touch her gently, curse her not ; 
All is over, she has got ; 
Was she proud her days of life, 
Was she sane or mad in strife, 
Was she neither, blush not her, 
That she lacked what you prefer ; 
None are faultless, all do sin ; 
Differing, yet with small begin. 

Fold her hands across her breast ; 
Gaze her long, but leave the rest ; 
Plant your mind her awkward ways 
Firmly, though not as she prays ; 
Much of one doth taint the man 
As the proud when ruder scan ; 
Moderate in, O speaking great. 
That you did, what rules the state. 

Leave her with, pronounce her not. 
Mortal is, but soon forgot ; 
She, the beauty in her sphere. 
Sees n» more, nor does she hear ; 



170 Stanzas. 

All the sift has through been strained, 
Grievous turned or glorious gained, 
Much to her, but less to us, 
Since she willed, and followed thus. 

Plant a shrub, a daisy plant, 
Rather much than measure scant ; 
He that gives contrary mind. 
Loads upon his conscience blind ; 
Feeding whomsoe'er hath need 
Is the Christian's, therewith plead ; 
When a drouth ascends no grain, 
From the past are we to gain. 



THE FEARFUL FORM 



One eve at dark 
When watch-dogs bark, 
Within the lighted way 
There stole him soft with but a shroud, 
Along the wall through all the crowd 
Where dancers light and gay. 

Full soon espied 
The form that hied, 
Where sate his heart made sore ; 
And straight he went without ado, 
Beside the youth in blending hue 
A girl of twenty-four. 

A word, a sigh, 
Then knelt to try 
The youth his love declare ; 
Assayed to speak, but shudder cold 
Admonished him awhile to hold. 
And think upon the stare. 

And saw not she. 
But did not he? 
The form was robed in white, 
And piercing eye upon him cast 
To tear, and hurl, and weak, and blast. 
The sources of delight ! 



172 The Fearful Form. 

No point he gained ; 
His heart was stained, 
And therefore none to cherish ; 
Old is he now and feeble grown, 
But not with years his deeds have flown, 
They speak, and will not perish. 

O fearful form 
That as the storm 
Com' St to disturb our rest ; 
What name? what build? what clime is thine? 
And whom dost visit? thy form's not mine? 
Because, no heart distressed. 



IT MUST, I RELINQUISH, EXCEL. 



"What care I, said Felix, I'll live as me thinks, 

The manner does no one concern ; 
If happy does make, what another at blinks, 

Should I it reject and his learn ? 
Not I am so foolish, when path I have found 

By thinking and watching full well, 
Nor pleasing another, nor newness confound. 

It must, I relinquish, excel. 

There's Johnny the baker, a well-to-do lad, 

As ever was known in the land, 
But envy that maketh nobody glad. 

Took from him the bread in his hand ; 
He thought of the richer, which made him descry, 

At least he effected a plot, 
"Which might, but it did not prove fruitful, and why? 

Because the foul thinking have not, 

That forethought of failure, as the honest are wont 

Before is accomplished the thing ; 
They a' hasty about, whatever the hunt. 

Slow working, but sure, is a sting 
Which heaven implanted ; and should there one be, 

Who thinks by slow working success. 
Where people is justice, and heaven doth see, 

That crime, if none else do confess. 
15 



174 ^i Must, I Relinquish, Excel. 

O expressive of goodness, let me never forget 

That the right is a haven of rest ; 
Who hath wisdom, (so says it,") shall never regret; 

And I would but do that is best ; 
Yes, ever and ever, when path I have found 

By thinking and watching full well. 
Nor pleasing another, nor newness confound, 

It must, I relinquish, excel. 



THE GIRL I NEVER CAN FORGET. 



I knew a handsome farmer girl, 

Her name was Mary Ann ; 
By day her pleasant task was churn, 

At night she knit or span ; 
In hopes I came and sate beside, 

And talked to her of things ; 
In hopes I from her presence smiled^ 

And dreamed about love brings. 

No art she had to glaze her thoughts^ 

Right from the heart she spake ; 
I saw she loved, and mine to ask 

If share in her would take ; 
It crossed my brain, it left my mouth. 

It struck the vital part. 
From whence to me responded yes, 

I'll give you heart for heart. 

No riches came with her consent, 

Nor any mortal kin. 
And yet the neighbors whispered round. 

My lot it was to win ; 
Some louder talked as ever is. 

Go where we will, there are 
True beauty will discourse upon, 

And if it please, to mar. 



176 The Girl I Never can Forget. 

But what cared I to gossip's tale, 

When subjects such as she 
Kept constantly before my mind, 

Lit up of pleasure me? 
No thread so fine but what its spun, 

No needle threads itself; 
A doer must whate'er is have, 

And reap reward himself. 

Full many a year has since passed by,. 

No more the young and gay, 
But what of that, nor she, nor I, 

Regret our wedding day ; 
A happy smile from early dawn, 

A word of goodly cheer. 
What more would man to lead him on^ 

And bring contentment near! 



SUCCESS. 



Success attend thy marriage, 
Success attend thy days, 

Unaltered in my carriage, 
I'll live my natural days. 

Should I absorb in thinking. 
For wrong that is me done ? 

My intellect to winking. 
That borders madness on ? 

Should I revenge embody? 

And court a dreadful hour 
To sever soul from body. 

Ere seeks the natural power ? 

No ! act I will not treason. 
For all my inward pain ; 

Which could and would a reason, 
If He should not complain. 

No ! wrongs shall not perplex me, 
To touch one single hair ; 

No crime is added sin free 
Be't acted in despair. 



178 Success. 



No ! by the love and dealing, 
We're judged some future day, 

The innocent not feeling, 
The guilty must obey. 

No ! live you and enjoy it, 

And can I not forget, 
A time will come, employ it 

That you it not regret. 



TO 



My friend, let not your courage down : look straight 
the world ; 
And think there's many a heart grieves sore, unsought 

the cause 
Of pain ! yet, gentle brooklet's love expressing sound 
On wings of zephyr wafts ! yet flows harmonious 
Its course content along, not filled with thoughts of 

speed. 
The lightning leaves despair ! nor thinks its current 

stem. 
When mingling sea's destructive dealing wave to swell 
Loud, and unruly ! calm, perchance aghast does stare 
With groans accompanied, forth gushing depth of heart 
Unfathomed, — th' treasures heaped unprofitably. 

Forsake wouldst thou? and sink, and sink, yet deeper 
sink? 
Carried on as is chaff before the wind, no power 
Self-sustaining? think, O mortal, think but the gift 
Entrusted ; man ! the image of Himself on high 
Resplendent shining; great in that a Name ! how great. 
When faculties exerting, heaven as our guide I 



i8o To . 

Let manly spirit ooze the vein, that would detect 
And fret and sigh like a neglected child not willed 
Precise its murmur asks ! where's life there's will 

within ; 
Lend but an active part ; yon overtopping pine 
Severeness bears, dependent branches nourishes ! 

Arouse ; the past is over, never to recall ; 
Our future lies as brilliant ; spirit, not the bowl' s, 
Can reinstate, exceed that lost. Press on, the world 
Needs many ; the cry is universal ; reach your goal ; 
But do it that you taint not the better part your soul. 



THE DAYS OF LONG AGO. 



There was a time when I was young, 

And never thought of saving ; 
The money went for what was sung, 

About the place prevailing. 

The days seemed long, and short the nights. 

To sleep no trouble being ; 
How oft did I to see the sights, 

Cut either past redeeming. 

No thought I had for morrow's want, 
A day's advance seemed stealing; 

And often more, what now does haunt, 
From friends collected seeming. 

How soon we change ! now old and gray^ 
Disowned by those acquainted ; 

A pauper, oh ! they do it say, 
And point me as one painted. 

Vain were the words in my behalf, 

By friends or parents spoken ; 
Their counsel turned I with a laugh, 

Their fears by accents broken. 

Examples many and yet was blind, 

O age, could I exchange thee ; 
Would I a life to haunt my mind, 

Cutaneous, as't upbraids me? 



FREEDOM 



Freedom, freed Jiii, gvo\v>, the care. 
Soul iiii.nortal does prepare ; 
Hallelujah, glorious king, 
Thee we praise, and live to sing. 

Free.lo.n, freedoii, shall be ours, 
'Moiig the roses and the fl3,vers, 
'Mong oar.-.elves ! what pleasing note,. 
Never crying neighbor S:n3:;.\ 

Freedo.n, freedom, matchless gift. 
Gained so easy only sift ; 
Think betimes the thing to do. 
Hast no cause it after rue. 

Freedom, freedom, haste, O haste. 
Nothing sweeter is to taste ; 
Look above and gaze below. 
Where wouldst reap? O mortal know I 

Freedom, freedom, room for all. 
Table spread for big and small ; 
Each and every one is cured, 
Shunning vice that has procured. 

Freedom, freedom, let's rejoice, 
Join our hands, there is no choice; 
Bid them come from far and near, 
Each is part, and therefore dear. 



TO A MOTHER 



Do not, mother, weep, yon hnrt yonrself and me, 
Amy's cared for better yon and I can be. 
While this earth sojonrning ; should we then deplore 
Early love extended. He would not do o'er? 

Glance above, and meditate her state of bliss ; 
'Tis a day eternal, know you yields a kiss? 
Sweetest fruit that mortals taste, what must it be 
When the angels meet, where is no enmity ! 

And enjoying, seen by Him through whom we live, 
Son, that proved a father for he loved to give 
God entrusted ; oh ! on earth his life was care, 
Turmoil faced he smilingly, and what is't there? 

Weep not, weep not, mother. Amy would not come 
Back to us again, she has a better home. 
Better far than men devise, prepare to live. 
And together were they all to labor, give. 



OVER-CONFIDENCE. 



Why be you not, as months of intercourse 
Hath laid foundation in this heart of mine ? 

Revealed I ought, since that I yielded hoarse 
To importunities, expressions fine? 

For that am I thee blemished ? for that mine 
eyne, 
Must filled be with the tears of aching heart ? 

O woman, woman ! confidence not thine ; 
Forbidden fruit is sweet, but munches tart, 
When thoughts revolve, forsaken, shunned, the world 

apart. 

There's beauty, far, outshining this, above; 
The earth is but as shadow to the real ; 

And justice is where soars and teems our love ; 
Who here escapes need not admire his zeal ; 

O foolish man, who thinks a crime conceal. 
Or glory in the law no statute gave ; 

A day will come that none away from steal, 
Distant not far, see, yon addicted slave 
Has run his race, an epitaph remarks his grave. 



A LOVE LETTER. 



I saw you not often, but still your sweet smile 
Before me in vision, gives impulse the while ; 
Instills that desire, the Almighty foresaw, 
For woman intended, to lure from and draw. 
The hours demanding my presence to live, 
I know not, they furnish, but still do not give, 
That pleasure, contentment, I wish for, enjoyed, 
Ere you, Wilhelmina, my senses employed. 
When on my couch I lay me to rest, 
I imagine I hear a bird in its nest, 
A piping and fluttering, and billing to be, — 
An assent that none but lovers can see, — 
In his care and protection till death divide, 
The tie that asunder none else should decide ; 
But lo ! the discovery brings doubting its mind. 
It must not, no, will not, be forward defined, 
No, not for the world ; but its'wishes ? ah, they 
Are not in accordance, they will not obey ; 
Still prompting, still painting, so lifelike and grand, 
That stronger must be it all to withstand. 
And winging, and fluttering, oh ! what would it not 

give. 
If only as sister and brother to live? 
And the hope strong possessing that such it might be, 
It ventures, and safely alights on the tree ) 
i6 



1 86 A Soldier's Epitaph. 

As happy ! not happier can moments instill, 
For birdie, the loved one, attentive holds still. 

O loved one, unknown one, have pity I pray ! 
If love has a lodging, turn mine not away ! 
To swear, or continue nonsensical rhyme. 
Befits not, procures not, if right I divine, 
Your love that is worthy to sue for and thirst ; 
P2re proposing, to know you, be known by you first 
But this I do crave, and you may it opine, 
'Tis nor more nor less, than from you a sweet line. 



A SOLDIER'S EPITAPH 



Here lies a man of years unknown, 

But not so his career ; 
He fought and bled, the field hath shown 

His country was him dear. 
A gay companion, comrades sought, 

And many his tales admired, 
And many who entertained a thought. 

His knowledge, self-acquired ; 
And wise was he, but not to excess. 

Which odious makes, avoided'; 
Advice he gave, and sought no less. 

Was much beloved, confided. 



THE MAD DOG 



Not warm was it, for winter was it still ; 
Yet glowed the sun to such degree, that made 
Him sought by many a swain illiterate, 
Yet conscious of his worth. And too the air. 
Sweet, gentle air, was left to enter many 
A door or window, oftenest by the former, 
The children leaving open, forward running 
Then backward to refrain. Thus were the children 
Of a carpenter ; himself, and wife, and friends. 
Discussing country's need, or jocular 
Some story ; as the cry of dog, mad dog 1 
Came sudden on the ear ; to hear was acting, 
Up they sprang, but not'until the beast before 
Them stood, with eyes the fiery meteor distraction 
But to look ; with mouth the dreadful chasm, sure death 
Within its jaws. O living death, where is 
The remedy ? arouse the faculties ! and like 
The Olympian strong, all obstacles vanish 
The attempt ; not fear but courage draws out the breath 
Of life ; and to the impulse master, sounds 
His horn of war the host, that would have shook 
Than fainter hearts that knew not what to do. 
Something or lost ! we must subdue, hurl them^thick 
And fast ! but fruitless were the aims, they hit 
Him not. He comes ! he comes ! escape my friends, 
One for all he cried, and clutched him by the throat. 



1 88 An Epitaph on a Wife. 

Then wrestling such as ne'er was seen. The heart 
Of stone had pity tears, were such a heart 
Then by. The life so sweet were balanced in 
The scale of death, to conquer or to die. 
We're safe ! we're sefe ! at length escapes his lips, 
'Tis done my friends, but not until the brute 
Had left the marks of death behind. 

O woe 
Befallen, thine is death, but also thine 
To live, that none can rob, remembrance in 
The hearts of men. Long may his deed take root, 
And spur the unfeeling heart, that yet unborn 
May lie some good, enacted by his fellow-man. 



AN EPITAPH ON A WIFE. 



Here drop a tear, if shed you will. 

Pale image of all source on high ! 
Or else depart, and know that still 

She is my wife, and here doth lie. 
I would not ask this tribute small. 

Could one procure her like when willed ; 
A wife she was to me, and all 

Who had to do, the law fulfilled. 



One's behavior is a parting guest. 
Always expressing is expressed. 



DEPARTURE, 



I do not part in joy, 

From this, my native place ; 
There's something in the eye, 

A magic in each face. 

The mountains may and vales 
What ne'er my eyes did view ; 

But cannot from me praise 
Than more than object new. 

A passing thought to give, 
My own with it compare ; 

And when a thought to live, 
What marvel when I stare. 

The marts and houses stand 
Perfection to more near. 

Which time's unceasing hand, 
Did from the ashes rear. 

And art, its various name, 
Is time's tuition under ; 

But connoisseurs lay claim. 
And purchasers in number. 

The people there as here, 
No diff'rence great can be. 

For all have one day fear, 
The boldest are not free ! 



igo Love as It is. 

And nature is the same, 
At least in canopy ; 

What then to me its fame, 
At home I'm healthy, free. 

Yea, free as bird I sing. 
The gift Ahiiighty gave ; 

And could I servile cling ? 
Or danger long to brave ? 

A month, or year, no more 
My patience will permit, 

Therein my mind to store, 
Of knowledge useful, fit. 



LOVE AS IT IS 



Not handsome is she, yet I woo 
With earnestness, me strikes as you, 
When sober thinking takes the flight, 
A lover lives on half the day and night. 

Far from perfection's model, but not 

When in her presence I pursue the spot 

To occupy she stands or sits ; 

Then I forget, and all she does befits. 
I'purpose, but intention's last. 
Till 'gain I see, provoked the sentence passed ; 
And thus intend, and am bewitched, 
Till coming ended is, by being hitched. 



THE FATE OF A COQUETTE. 



When I cast my eyes to yonder hill, 

I think of one I know, 
Whom judged my mind the worthiest till, 

Deep lay the winter's snow. 

Around for many a mile to me 

Her beauty unsurpassed. 
And was, they all strive hard to be, 

So by her rivals classed. 

No more my mind intends to ask, 

Unmarried, but not long ; 
To one that carried not a mask. 

My heart does now belong. 

But she, once queen of many hearts, 
Commands she still unchecked ? 

No, for her beauty quick departs. 
Time and career has flecked. 

The walks along she may be seen. 

In quest of — never mind ; 
Her step not what it once has been. 

Elastic and refined. 

The parlor sitting, oh ! the thought. 

He'll come again, but no ; 
The tapers light, a fresh one brought, 

Grows dim, and none below. 

191 



A LEAF OF LEISURE MOMENTS. 



I love at night the sky to gaze, 
When moon is bright and stars all blaze ; 
And silent is what through the day, 
Has gone amiss, and others may ; 
And wind is slow, as through it makes 
The trees, to show that yet it wakes ; 
And birds are dull and dream of past, 
Or what their skull, or when their last ; 
And earth himself seems brooding care, 
I stretch myself from heel to hair ; 
Of two extremes the clock hand I, 
That is, when dreams I may comply 
To read my book, with searching care. 
Or heavenward look for what is there ; 
And turning from and crawling near, 
The hours like none, my sense appear. 

And oft I hie me as to the nest. 
The birdies fly to take their rest ; 
And still is night, save rippling brook, 
Or lover's light the bushes shook ; 
And whisper here, another there, 
Falls on the ear as sound the hare ; 
And moon shines out arrayed her best. 
As if about to undergo a test ; 
And stars are bent as maids that woo, 
To dress and scent in blending hue ; 
And breezes faint their wings adorn, 
With flowery paint the fields have worn ; 
O then I dream the dreams that last ! 
Through life a gleam, if bright or cast. 



AN ENIGMA. 



He roams upon the mountain tops, 

And in the valley same ; 
Among his thousand different flocks, 

But never chimes his name ; 
He sees each move, each acted part, 

And never yet is seen ; 
Within the deep recess of heart, 

As competent to glean. 



Saw I not you for many a day, 

And near you, seldom but to hear. 
No thought superior shall rouse delay. 

Nor make me that I'm not appear ; 
That I have more of worldly store, 

What boots it, say, above on high ? 
The friendship, can it there restore, 

Is here denied, by love and tie ? 

That fortune mine you yet desire. 

To rise in estimation wealth; 
For want of knowledge, or the fire 

That is the youth's, enjoying health ; 
For want of, — well, be't what it may. 

Discovering hath no fruitful end ; 
Each must his own from day to day. 

Therein is wealth, till death contend. 



TO A MOTHER. 



You grieve that she has gone before ? 
You weep that she does live no more? 
Console yourself, a friend does give, 
That yet in heart, the earth may live. 

THE EPITAPH. 

A smile by day, a glow by night, 
The heart's concern, the heart's delight; 
A shining orb, which way to glance, 
The eyes upon would play and dance ; 
Was she, that's laid beneath the sod, 
Henceforth, her only thought her God. 

No years to thwart, no toil to bow. 
Instead enjoys eternity now;- 
A life, ah think ! wouldst wish thee back, 
And die as she, alack, alack ! 



That there is not for study at all times reward, 
And he think to obtain it by applying, and hard, 
Shouldn't deter one; there's much that we'practice 

and gain ; 
And the knowledge of knowing not least out of twain; 
To have wisdom, which study imparts to the mind, 
Is a wealth, that the richest endeavor to find. 



A SONG 



An office is a people's choice, 

To put therein is qualified ; 
Love bringeth love, well-speaking voice, 

Position if for it applied. 

Unmindful of the course pursued, 
Is not the teachings of a bard; 

Who once have gave are vainly sued. 
When expectation no reward. 



Than our passion exciting, a want to appease. 
Not a member of man can as it can decease ; 
The body, the mind, like the ship to the wind. 
By its potency dashes the rocks among blind ; 
And unless there's reflection, a will to deny; 
A lifetime is wasted, he lives but to die. 



A picture in painting, 
A female a-fainting, 

Are objects of sore delight ; 
The one is heart-rending, 

And both distress the sight. 



A SONG. 



O what is more joyful than its young to the dam? 
Than the babe to its mother, than fortune to man ? 
'Tis the hope that encircles the brow of the faint ; 
When life is fast ebbing, to think of a saint ; 
With the aid of sweet fancy to trace the fine shades, 
And encouraged, whilst tracing eternity pervades ! 

O the youth of our time, can there be to compete, 
In life's whole existence, with its starry sheet? 
Yes, there can, and there is, when the sun of our globe 
Waxes dim to our eyes, as the patience of Job ; 
Then, oh then, to the thoughtful and pure there ap- 
pears, 
Like to youth, all advancement, and never no tears. 



EMOTION. 



Thou hast seen her? known her? fair Lucinda Grey, 
She, that is a pleasure, like the month of May ! 
Known her as a baby, rocked her oft to sleep, 
Little, little Lucy, thy lullaby did weep ! 
Clasped her to your bosom, pressed her lips to thine, 
Fraught with silent love, a childish heart divine ! 
Led her to the garden, hide and seek you played ! 
O the sin of dallying, that I was delayed ; 
Joy that is a pleasure, say is it not so ? 
Earth with all its splendor, can it thus bestow? 



